Monday, August 4, 2008
Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
THE LORD'S BUILDING
From time to time it is appropriate to reflect on the past for the purpose of considering the LORD's many blessings to us. This can be beneficial in many ways because we often lose sight of the LORD's work in our lives, and fail to appreciate all that He has done. For the same reason, this can also be beneficial for us to do as a church. We should look back on our past as a congregation and consider the LORD's work among us to be assured that the LORD is at work through the preaching of His Word.
But we must always remember that the work of the church is the building of the LORD's house, and we NEED Him there with us. If we get carried away with our own ideas or goals for the church, or if we get caught up in our own achievements (which take us away from the LORD's purpose), then our work is useless and done in vain.
We should be thankful that the LORD's house is built even in spite of our weaknesses, our failings, our sins! The reason for this is because it is the LORD who builds the house! Without Him, whatever we build will fall apart; whatever we devise will come to nothing! Be thankful that the LORD is willing and able to use you, an earthen vessel, to be a part of His special building program. Seek the LORD's strength, wisdom, and guidance as you work for Him.
Grant that we Your Word may cherish and its purity retain.
Lord, unless You are the Builder, all our labor is in vain.
Keep us from all pride and boasting, vanity and foolish trust,
Knowing that our work without You soon will crumble into dust.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 640:3)
