"Builder"
Granddaddy was a builder,
Born with a hammer in his hand,
He’d often point out houses,
That he’d built across our land.
And Dad with barns and businesses,
A cowman through and through,
Believed you had to build it,
And that’s just what he’d do.
Both pointed to the Good Book,
To the Builder of all things,
Believed in the Creator,
All that His blessing brings.
And Jesus Christ the Nazarene,
Was a carpenter by trade,
Said no doubt the Church He’d build,
Of faith and humans made.
Gone to heaven’s home He’d build,
Those mansions in the sky,
And prepare a place for us,
Then come again, no lie.
God called a persecutor,
To follow and to preach,
Paul became a builder,
The Gentiles for to reach.
In fact a Master-builder,
And partner with the Spirit,
Spreading Jesus’ gospel,
So everyone could hear it.
And, so you see, we’re being built,
Into a living temple,
And each of us are living stones,
It’s powerful, yet simple.
The Builder of the universe,
Is building you and me,
To live with Him forever,
For all eternity.
“…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5, NAS)
When you hear the word “church” what do you picture? Most of us see a church building of some kind, perhaps the place we attended as children. We become fond of the place we call church because of special memories associated with it- weddings, funerals, baptisms, and holy moments. But the bottom line is that the church is not, nor has it ever been a “place.” It is and has always been a people. But the Scriptures refer to the people as “living stones” that are being built into a spiritual building that houses the Holy Spirit. It is important that we understand this so that we do not idolize something human beings have built. Jesus is building His church and hell can’t stop it.
Lord, help us follow You as You build Your church, in Jesus’ name.
Art by Andy Mast, used by permission. Thanks, Andy, and God bless you.