S(1 Chronicles 22:5) For David said, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent.... I will therefore make preparations for it." ...
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To enable Solomon to succeed magnificently, even exceedingly, David collected the necessary raw materials: resident foreigners, foundation stones, iron, timbers, bronze, gold, and silver. Their potential, even their existence, was often hidden, overlooked, or overwhelmingly difficult to process. This story describes allegorically how our Heavenly Father is building a Church for His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2, 4; 1 Peter 2).
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From this, we see what God is doing in our community (and in me) through His Church, how we interact with each other, and how parents can conceptualize our parental tasks. Evangelists collect the lost outcasts, inviting them into God's family. Apostles establish leaders, like foundational stones, who keep all of us square to God's Word. Prophets do the strange work of discovering hidden values, like iron for nails (that bind and bond) and doors (that block or open). Teachers, like carpenters, help us frame, structure, and organize our raw thoughts. And pastors, like bronze, gold, and silversmiths, help us purify and strengthen our lives so we become wholesome, healthy, and radiant.
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Lord, I'm so thankful that You cared for me, a once rebellious, unhappy, outsider with no realistic expectation of the health and success You have given me. Thank You for making me a living, growing, and valuable part of Your Church. Such a miracle of miracles! Thank You!
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