Previous Reflections
REFLECTIONS
February 2nd, 2014Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.
Exodus 36:2
What the Church Is
The eagerness of a small congregation was not diminished by its size or discouraged by its limited resources. Something spurred them onward in pursuit of their desire for a new church building. Those in leadership capitalized on their skills. The ones with an eye for design were complimented by those with abilities in finance, construction, and fundraising. And those without great skills pitched in too. Everyone who was willing contributed something to the cause—some gave their money, some shared their relationships, some offered their creativity, and some contributed their physical strength. And amidst the severe draught of the 1950’s, menacing economic hardship, and a polio epidemic gripping the nation, the commitment of the people to their cause never wavered even for a moment.
The commitment was not unlike that of the Israelites in the construction of the tabernacle. God provided Moses with detailed plans and specifications for its construction. Excellence was required. God’s instructions called for the services of skilled craftsmen; but there were jobs for all others who were willing
Many gave from their possessions; others from their labors; and some provided the materials required. The commitment was shared by all who were willing to come and do the work. They gave in such abundance that they were asked to give no more. Then, with the work complete, Moses inspected it for the excellence God required; and finding all specifications fully met, he blessed it.
A people committed to honor God, that’s what the church is. Not a building or even a place, the Church is a body of people serving to glorify the Lord. Each using the gifts God blessed them with for the glory of his holy name. Whether in Israel’s desert, the epicenter of the most prosperous city, or a small rural town in any land, people joined by faith to serve God will bring glory to his name. And each of us are a part of the body called to play a role.
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
That’s what the Church is. And you and I are a part of it if we are willing.
You are the light of the world,
Richard +
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