Guided Bible Study 4

The Lord Built This House

As you prepare to hear from God:

Turn off your ringer, maybe even put it on airplane mode.

Tell the Lord you desire to worship Him with an undistracted heart.

Ask Him to correct any misunderstanding you might have about His word.

Psalm 127 ESV

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Going back to in-person church, regathering, is an exciting future reality. But I have heard criticism comparing this desire to worshipping the church building. Criticism which, in my opinion, is unfounded. Its not the brick and mortar, glass and wood people are excited about. It is the reuniting with the rest of this body of believers. Its each other we are so desperately missing!

Recently and for the first time in two months, our family was all home together. Being in the same place altogether was joyful! It only lasted less than 24 hours but it did us all a great deal of emotional good. But the truth is, no one sat around looking at the house exclaiming how good it was to be there. We were excited to be with each other!

As good as it will be to worship together we do need to remember the object of our worship. We need to be ready to come together as a body of believers and offer our worship to the God who unites us.

George Atkins was on to something when he penned the words to the great old song:

All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

P.S. Remember to turn your ringer back on or take your phone off airplane mode.