Unless the Lord Builds His Church

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1
This psalm is often referred to as the “Builder’s Psalm”. Here, a picture is painted through illustrations of building and guarding – pictures of vanity and blessing, pride and dependence. Our eyes are taken off of our labor and work and are placed on that of the master builder and great watchman, our Lord, the true and living God.

Many people have a desire and drive to build. Many are skilled watchmen. However, if the Lord isn’t with them and at work in it, it’s all for not. Remember the foolish man who built his house on the sand, instead of on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Remember the men at Babel who tried to build a tower to heaven (Genesis 11:1-9). God confused their language and scattered them. They labored in vain for the Lord’s face was against them. On the other hand, Solomon’s building the temple is a good testimony of the Lord’s aid and blessing (1 Kings 6).

Considering this, the words of Hebrews 3:4 are driven home in our hearts and minds- “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Our Lord must build the house for it to be built well. God must guard for the people to truly be safe. Our Lord Jesus Christ is busy building His church with perfect craftsmanship. Praise God that King Jesus is the builder of His church! We aren’t, folks. He is! Be comforted that Jesus is ever so skillful in His work. What He builds won’t rust, crumble, and decay. It won’t fall apart. It won’t be a thing of the past in generations to come. Jesus builds that which is eternal.  His bride is beautiful, His kingdom is glorious – and it has no end! To Him be all praise and glory!

As we labor and desire to see Christ’s church grow here, let’s daily recognize our complete dependence on Him in that work. Let’s pray together that He would work in us to be faithful. Pray that many who are lost would be saved. Also pray that He would be pleased to continue to build and protect our congregation.