In ancient times, large structures, like the temple, were built with a blueprint. Those blueprints were very specific; numbering every stone that would be placed. As huge rocks and boulders were cut from the quarry, the destination for each one was already known and preparations were made for exact placement. There was no mass production of identical stones. Today, if you go to certain archaeological digs, you can see the markings and identifications discovered on some of these stones.
We, the church, are God’s temple.
“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” I Corinthians 3:16
Paul uses this language on several occasions and it would have been familiar to his audience. They knew how such structures were made. And now, he says, God is building the church in a similar way, using the living stones that are His people.
“…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house…” 1 Peter 2:5
We are those living stones being placed in the exact spot God wants us. We are not being mass-produced, but carefully chosen and shaped for where He wants us. Some of us are attractive ornate capstones that reveal God’s beauty and detail. Some of us are foundation stones – strong, but underground where few, if any, will ever see us. Of the actual stones uncovered at the temple today, it is interesting that those buried underneath were cut with the same care as those placed above ground.
There are times I have longed to fulfill a different role, to have a different spot in the temple. Maybe I’ve wanted to have your spot on the wall, or maybe you have wanted mine. And sometimes the shaping process is painful. But I need to remember that the Builder knows the plan. In fact, He designed it. And He is lovingly creating me to be a perfect fit.
“And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22
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