I Chronicles 25:1a Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals

    Some years ago, a building project was undertaken in the junior high school where I taught. A new wing was being added on with extra classrooms, etc. After it was completed, as is customary, a plaque or marker was hung prominently on the wall. On this marker the names of the architect and the school board at the time of construction are listed. They are listed for their role in the completion of that building project. But in reality, none listed there were ever on site wearing coveralls swinging hammers!

    David had established his kingdom and a royal home had been built for him. But he wanted to build a temple for God. The worship center up to this time was the tabernacle, a big tent. David didn’t feel right living in an elaborate home while the ark of the covenant was kept in a tent. But God had other plans. A prophet had to tell David that it would not be his job to build a temple. That role would go to his son Solomon. 

    Many people would be disheartened or even angry not to be able to fulfill their goals. Not David. He took that news in stride and decided that if he would not be the one to build the temple, he could make things easier for his son. So he began to gather all the raw materials that would be necessary. He amassed lumber, bronze, and precious metals. That phase complete, he went on to amassing the large number of people that would serve in the new temple. He assigned priests and other ministers. He even organized the musicians who would serve in the temple. 

    It’s an historical fact that Solomon built the temple. His name would be on the plaque on the wall. But the real story is much deeper. We may attend church where the building is old, or perhaps is rather new. We may even attend church in a building that is borrowed or rented for the occasion. We may or may not have had a hand in the actual construction.
But we do not build the church. Our name may be on a wall somewhere, but the church is built by Jesus. He said so in no uncertain terms: “I will build My church.” Matthew 16:18

    He it is that truly builds His church. But we have the great honor of helping! We may be a board member with multiple decision-making roles, or we may be a Sunday school teacher. We might be the one in charge of maintaining the church van or we might mow the church lawn. We might be the church custodian or the pastor who preaches from the pulpit. Any of these or a hundred other jobs all with significance and all quite necessary, help prepare and amass materials from which the Master Builder can build His church! 

    It is Jesus’ church and He invites us to take part in its construction!

Blessings,

Pastor Russ