Scripture:
Psalm 127:1-5 ESV
[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.
Observation:
Solomon had just finished all the work on not only the timple but his house as well. You could almost see him getting up early in the morning… praying… thinking… processing the day… thinking about what needs to get done and what doesn’t. However, in his time of prayer, he knows. If the LORD is not the one giving the directions or if HE is and they are not being followed. Then it’s all without purpose. Solomon knew the work of our hands was meaningless. We could stay busy all day and still get nothing done. I don’t see Solomon as an overbearing boss who was constantly over your shoulder barking orders. I believe he had a drive, and he wanted to get things done. However, I know he knew exactly who was in control. He knew that staying busy was important, but who you were working for was vital. Getting up early and going to bed late for the wrong reason just makes you old fast. It’s the kingdom that is being built that matters. This is a pretty short psalm, and it goes from what you do for a living to what you should be living for. Solomon switches his focus from the work of the hands to the work in the home. I want you to see this. From building a house to filling it with children. Children are a gift from GOD and an awesome responsibility. Any man can build a house, but only a man of GOD can make that house a home.
Application:
What are we truly working for. Are we building something that will all rust, or are we putting in the work for the kingdom. I never want to store up my treasures here on earth. They mean absolutely nothing and will amount to nothing. In fact, this is such a strong desire of mine that anytime I buy something for me, it’s almost painful. I start thinking. Man, I could have helped someone else with that. So what does the daily toil produce. Well, if we are working for ourselves, nothing. However, if we are building the kingdom, it’s everything. This means we have to take care of our families emotional needs as well. We are men, and yes, it is our job to work. However, not at the expense of our children, wives, and loved ones. If that is how we do things, we will find ourselves alone. Building the kingdom doesn’t involve 2x4s and nails. It involves time and love. So what are you truly working for… what master are you serving… I know it’s right to work. The Bible says if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat, but if all you work for is to eat, you are missing the point. Our treasure needs to be stored in heaven. Ok, so here is my honesty. I just recently bought a motorcycle. Then it wasn’t quite put together the way I wanted it, so I made another purchase that cost $700, so that it would be what I wanted. Now I’m thinking this is all going to rust… what good is it? What good did it do? I could have used that for the kingdom. How selfish is that. I so let me tell you… it’s not selfish. That motorcycle will be used just like my truck. To glorify GOD. You see, GOD called me into the ministry years ago, and the enemy has been trying to take my focus away from the calling GOD has placed on my life. I know the biker lifestyle. The bike is more important than the wife or anything else. To me, it’s a tool of ministry. A conversation starter so that relationship can be built. Then, and only then, will the gospel be received. Did I need the bike to spread the gospel? No. I do that daily anyway. The influence of the bike will open doors that otherwise could not be opened. Everything we have is a tool for the gospel. Is the LORD building your house. If so, don’t forget that and never put the house ahead of HIM. Without the cornerstone, it all falls down. Taken time for HIM. Not just today… but every day. Love GOD, love your family, and love others.
Prayer:
Father, help us to see who we are working for. None of this is about us. When you give us something, you want us to use it for you. It’s not ours it’s yours. All of it this life is not about us or the nice things we have or can acquire. They mean nothing if it’s not used for you. Father, thank you for holding our focus. It’s so easy to let the enemy steal that. But we know that the blessings of the LORD make one rich, and HE adds no sorrow with it. When our day is built around you, we can not go wrong. Help us to build every day around you. You are our cornerstone. The foundation that it is all built on without you it all falls apart. We have seen that to mane time this time, we want a house that does not get swept away or destroyed. By our own hands. Let our work not be in vain. It’s in the might name of Jesus I pray amen