Tuesday; December 19

Recently, a Bible Class I have been teaching, has been discussing the temple(s) in Jerusalem. During one of the discussions, someone pointed out something interesting about the temple Solomon built for God, “The house, while it was being built, was built of stone prepared at the quarry, and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any iron tool heard in the house while it was being built.” (I Kings 6:7). In essence, the stones used to construct the temple were measured, shaped, pre-fitted and sent to the worksite ready to be used to put into place. They didn’t need to be shaped on site, they arrived on scene ready to be used. As we reflected on this statement of fact, I came across another passage, this one in the New Testament, which uses the analogy of temple stones in this way, “… 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.” (I Peter 2:5). In describing Christians as temple stones, it got me to wondering if some of the events of our lives shape us into how we can be used in the Lord’s church. We are shaped by our previous circumstances, preferences and talents; then the Lord places us where we can be best used in His service. What has happened in our past doesn’t diminish our value in putting together the “living temple of God” (the church), it helps us fit in place to support all the other pieces that make up the kingdom of God.

Let’s do our best to be quality pieces of God’s workmanship. However, let’s not overlook the value of our scuffs and rough edges that may be the exact piece God needs to make His structure whole.

Think About It!

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