THE LORD SPOKE (June 23)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 1-3

"The temple I build must be large and magnificent." (II Chronicles 2:9b)

Why have men throughout the ages sought to build ostentatious temples and magnificent cathedrals? Haven't they gone a little overboard? And haven't they ended up creating monuments that usurp God's glory and actually detract from true worship of the Holy One?

Indeed they have, but take a look at this biblical example and observe the splendor of Solomon's construction:

• over-laid inside with pure gold (3:4b)
• adorned with precious stones (3:6)
• carved and sculptured decorations (3:7, 10)
• luxurious curtains (3:14)
• elaborate exterior decor (3:15-17)
• even down to gold nails! (3:9)

David did tell us during his own preparations for this building that we should "worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness" (I Chron. 16:29; c.f. Ps. 29:2 and 96:9). You would probably be quick to observe that it's the splendor of God's holiness that is emphasized here, not some man-made building. But then I'd have to tell you that it looks like that in our English translations. In fact, the Hebrew syntax is closer to saying we should "worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness" and that didn't really help much did it? What exactly is "the splendor of holiness" and how may it be used to worship the Lord? Now do you see why man has often tried to build splendor as a context for worshiping the Lord? Has maybe such construction sometimes served as an escape to avoid weightier matters of the heart's relation to Him? a sort of contented religiosity based on externals?

But does that mean we ought to worship only in a clap-board basic structure? We've not thought long enough or hard enough about the concept of sacred space. Remember, "sacred" simply means "dedicated" or "devoted to". Our buildings are certainly, in some sense, set apart for the service of God, i.e. they constitute sacred space. Much more thought needs to be given to expressing biblical doctrine and values through church architecture. Our age has largely moved beyond church bells and steeples but does a low, florescent-lit, fire-proofed paneled ceiling in our modern "worship centers" really best express the transcendence and majesty of God?

We are (rightly) critical of those who place idols and statues of virgins or other distracting paraphernalia in their buildings. The truth is, anything which distracts attention from God and His Word is flat-out wrong. Mankind has always disagreed over iconic worship because it seems to lead to worship of the icons rather than God. But isn't it equally possible that the architecture and decor of our church building and auditorium is distracting and even destructive of true focusing upon the Holy One? Can't we use the building itself to portray how awesome is our God?

Ahh, this topic needs some more attention!


New Testament: Ephesians 6

It seems that the preceding sections on wives (Eph. 5:22-24) and husbands (Eph. 5:25-33) get most attention. Even the part on children (Eph. 6:1-4) gets more. But since we’re not really “masters” and no one has slaves any more, this passage (Eph. 6:5-9) often gets passed over rather quickly.

True, the master-slave relationship is similar to our boss-employee arrangements today and there is much here that will apply. Ideas like mutual respect and an honest dollar for an honest day’s work receive strong emphasis here. But this text also has much to say about our relationship with the Lord. The work and respect we render our earthly boss is a reflection of that which we owe our Master in heaven.

• “obey” - A boss has the right to expect us to do his bidding. Paul’s words (“just as you would obey Christ”) assume that we do the same with God. Is that true in your practice?
• “respect” - No employee will last long if he’s dissembling, grumbling, and talking behind his boss’s back. Do our words for God and about God demonstrate respect? Do our actions?
• “fear” - In the bible this also refers to respect or “reverent awe”. It might even be an equivalent of “true religion” since it defines our relationship to God.
• “sincerity of heart” - Even man can usually tell when you’re not genuine. Certainly God, who doesn’t look on the outward appearance but sees what’s in our hearts, knows when we’re sincere.
• “win their favor” - It isn’t a matter of apple-polishing. It’s authentic service. It’s a desire to please. It’s an honest effort to do what’s right.
• while they’re looking and while they’re not - Whatever you would do if you thought nobody was looking or would find out, it’s as if you’d already done it.
• “doing [his] will” - When our will is conformed to His will, this is easy to do. Don’t be conformed to this world but be transformed with a desire to do His will (Rom. 12:1-2).
• “serve wholeheartedly” - You can have a false heart, half a heart, a bad heart, a broken heart, a soft heart, or a weak heart. What God wants is your whole heart. No halfway measures are adequate.

Our Master in heaven is the Master of the Universe. He both expects and deserves our best.