Building on a solid foundation
13.12.05
Returning from exile, the people of Israel began rebuilding the temple, as in accordance to King Cyrus’ decree. “Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD… they sang, praising and giving thanks to the LORD.”1
That reminds me of our foundation, something we’ve been seeking to firmly establish here at Bible school. “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”2 What joy to see Jesus become the foundation of another life. Yet the temple of God, that is our body,3 was not yet built when opposition came.
“The people of the land discouraged [them] and frightened them from building.”4 Likewise, we can become discouraged by the world around us. As we leave this Christian community, it can become easy to get caught up with what’s important to the people around us – success, possessions, entertainment. Not inherently bad things, but when they take our attention off Christ, and keep us from allowing Him to work in our lives, then what kind of life are we building?
The people of the land “have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God.”5 Our faith needs to be in Christ alone, and not diluted by others who worship a multitude of gods. Yet it is possible for an outsider to encourage us, just as “the LORD had… turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God.”6 In fact, the full cost was paid from the royal treasury.7
As I am likely to return to the secular workplace, it’s important to realize that our material needs can be met from the world. While I rather invest the majority of my time in what I see as Christ-oriented efforts, I’m coming to terms with being a light in secular society. After all, who’s time is it? Not my life, but God’s – so I must trust that He knows what He is doing, wherever He leads me.