A seventy-something woman recently asked me if my teen son would be interested in working for her construction company and learning the trade. She explained that although she could frame a house “with her eyes closed,” she’d mark every board with her red carpenter’s pencil to guide him. She also emphasized that she properly trains any “newbie” before handing over the power tools.
Today’s readings seem to center around construction. The first shows us how exacting God is with anything he builds. The second clarifies that we “newbies” must be careful how we build upon the foundation that only Christ can lay. The Gospel illustrates what happens when greedy “newbies” get hold of the power tools: They end up reconstructing the temple into a marketplace.
God is the One True Architect. Our job is to be sure we always follow his red-pencil guidance so we build up his Kingdom according to his plans and not ours.
Lord, please hear our continued prayers for those in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
I love My Guide Jesus in Him I am finding my way. Amen Amen Amen
Amen Amen Amen thank you for sharing this I never thought about it that was God bless you all.
Thank you, Craig! I'm glad the reflection resonated. Many blessings to you!
What power tools do I have in my hands? What am I constructing that is not of Christ? What am I creating that is of my own market place? *** Who is the One True Artitect in 1 Timothy 2:5, "There is only one God. And there is only one go-between for God and human beings. He is the man Christ Jesus!" *** Why did Paul have to emphasize the one True Foundation being Jesus Christ in 1 Coronthians 3:11, "No one can lay any other foundation than what has already been laid. That foundation is Jesus Christ!" *** The Corinthains were arguing who they were following: Paul or Apollos in 1 Corinthains 3:1-7, "Brothers and sisters, I couldn’t speak to you as people who live by the Holy Spirit. I had to speak to you as people who were still following the ways of the world. You aren’t growing as Christ wants you to. You are still like babies. The words I spoke to you were like milk, not like solid food. You weren’t ready for solid food yet. And you still aren’t ready for it. You are still following the ways of the world. Some of you are jealous. Some of you argue. So aren’t you following the ways of the world? Aren’t you acting like ordinary human beings? One of you says, “I follow Paul.” Another says, “I follow Apollos.” Aren’t you acting like ordinary human beings? After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? We are only people who serve. We helped you to believe. The Lord has given each of us our own work to do. I planted the seed. Apollos watered it. But God has been making it grow. So the one who plants is not important. The one who waters is not important. It is God Who makes things grow. He is the important One!" ******* Who is or who are important to my faith growth? What or who is or who are my foundation of faith? What does my market place look like? *** Deuternomy 11:16-17a, 18-20, "But be careful. Don’t let anyone tempt you to do something wrong. Don’t turn away and worship other gods. Don’t bow down to them. If you do, the Lord will be very angry with you...So keep My Words in your hearts and minds. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses. Also write them on your gates." *** John 14:6, "Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." *** Exodus 20:4-5, "Do not make for yourself statues of gods that look like anything in the sky. They may not look like anything on the earth or in the waters either. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. I cause the sins of the parents to affect their children. I will cause the sins of those who hate Me to affect even their grandchildren and great-grandchildren!"
Thank you, Salina, for sharing your thoughtful questions and applicable Scripture verses. They take us all deeper into God's Word where we discover how we each are using our own power tools.
Heavenly Father, Wrap Your loving arms around Stephanie's family today as they lay to rest her grandpa. May the family find peace and comfort knowing that he will soon be in Your kingdom and no longer suffer from Alzheimer's. Amen.
Beth, eternal rest grant unto him and may perpetual light shine upon him. amen.
Including Stephanie and her grandpa in my prayers too. What a beautifully supportive group you are. What a blessing!
Beth, holding Stephanie and all who loved her Grandpa in my prayers. God has rested his soul.❣️
Revelation 21:3-4, "I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, “Look! God now makes His home with the people. He will live with them. They will be His people. And God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death.’ (Isaiah 25:8) And there will be no more sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be.” Amen! I can't wait to join Stephanie's Grandpa!!!
Praise God...thank you Claire for such a profound reflection....prayers go out to all those who are ill, sad, depressed, suffering.....Lord, I know you will show them the way...prayers also to those who go out selflessly doing God's work..Amen
Thanks so much Cheryl! Adding my prayers to yours for these great intentions.
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Claire, thank you for this thoughtful and structured reflection. Love how you “built” it piece by piece over the foundation. Thank you for continuing to share your gift with our community.