Rise Up And Build The Church

As summer begins and we look forward to the progress we will see on the church building I am reminded of a passage in Ezra.

 

Ezra 1:5

  Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

 

With great anticipation the Hebrew remnant gathered in Babylon as they heard news that Cyrus, king of Persia, had been charged by God to build a house of worship in Jerusalem. Everyone came together as God stirred their heart to build His house of worship in response to this fulfillment of Jeremiah 33:11!

 

Ezra 1:6

 records that others joined in and strengthened the resolve of the Hebrew leadership by offering vessels of silver and gold as well as beasts and precious things to go toward this good work. 

 

God provided the people, instruments and the money necessary to provide a place for fellowship with his people. He will do the same for HBF. This passage in Ezra illustrates the value the Hebrews placed upon God’s call to worship in unison as if they were “one man” in Jerusalem. The New Testament is clear that we have been called to gather for worship in New Jerusalem above (Galatians 4:26). The born again believer is not home yet, but we have heard the decree made by our King to prepare ourselves to join him and we believe His promise and know that He has prepared a place for us (John 14:2).  

 

It is exciting to be part of God’s mission on this planet at this time in history. It is our time to get to work! The resources dedicated to God’s service whether spiritual, financial or physical will not return void. Eternity will measure the value of our obedience, devotion, offerings and the sacrifices we have made to honor our Lord Jesus Christ. It is my sincere prayer that God continue to stir our hearts to build people as well as the building we need to house His church to worship Him. I am looking forward to the many ways God will continue to bring us together to rise up and build the church.