Our deck was aging and sagging badly; it was like walking
across a trampoline. In May, I
received help in tearing it apart.
Turns out there was a reason for the sagging - most of the support framework
was rotting. I decided to use 4 x
4 posts in concrete in holes in the ground for the new deck. While building the deck, I learned
about post footings, pier-blocks, ledger boards and joist-hangers; I also
learned about sore muscles, pinched fingers, and 60 lb bags of concrete!
Working on our deck reminded me of God's detailed
instructions for the Tabernacle (Exo. 25-26). Tabernacle means tent, dwelling place or sanctuary. It was a portable holy
place where God would meet with his people during the decades they wandered
through the wilderness. The
Tabernacle was where people and their leaders worshipped and offered sacrifices
to God. Do you have a place to meet
personally with God?
There are numerous other Biblical building projects,
including:
-Nehemiah & his Jewish recruits rebuilt the wall
around Jerusalem, to protect and secure the city where God’s people rededicated
themselves to God.
-A carpenter made the manger (an animal trough) that held
the newborn Jesus in the
barn behind the crowded inn.
-The cross on which Jesus was crucified.
All these building projects were part of God’s work or
intended to honor God, which raises the question: Will our new deck be used to
honor and glorify God? Will it be
a place to meet with God? Our
backyard is to some extent a place of nature with grass, plants, trees and a
few flowers – a place where one can spend peaceful time with God. My wife helped me a lot in the building process, and we didn’t
have a single disagreement! So
God’s already blessed us through the building process. What about your latest project? Is it part of God’s work or intended to
honor God? How will it affect your
relationship with God?
The stone that was rejected by the builders (I Peter 2: 4-9)
turned out to be Jesus Christ! Jesus
was rejected by many who were too attached to the standard religious practices
of their day. Peter wrote: Welcome
to the living Stone, the source of life.
The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of
honor. Present yourselves as
building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which
you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. (The
Message)
Without God, the supporting framework of our lives, tends to
rot like our old deck. But one can
build a new life based on the greatest cornerstone – Jesus. If you’re tired of your old life and
ready for a new life, start building your life on Jesus!
