1 Chronicles 22:19 says “Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.”

It’s easy to read this verse and pass it over as being a directive from king David to the Jews of old to build the Temple at Jerusalem. That’s absolutely right and also absolutely wrong. He certainly was speaking about the physical temple, but these words are in the Bible for a very different reason.

When the Lord told David that his son would inherit a kingdom that would stand forever He wasn’t talking about Solomon, He was talking about Jesus. The call to build a temple wasn’t to build a structure, but to build a Temple to Him in our hearts, and bring the ark — His mercy seat and His essence — to live there. The “house to be built in the name of God” is not a building, but the Kingdom of the assembly of all who praise Him, worship Him, Love Him.

Notice also that this command is twofold: first set yourself right and then go build the house. Both are compulsory, as is their order.

Jesus was clear that we should remove the plank from our own eye before clearing the speck from our friend’s. The reason couldn’t be more simple: if you aren’t walking the path no one will trust you when you explain that they should walk it. It is in our fallen nature to mistrust, to expect darkness and badness and stalking lions down every road. Show them it is safe by walking ahead of them and people will walk.

Secondly, build the house. This isn’t an option! You are not free to go back to your house to study God and ignore the missionaries out there working. You are not free to be a quiet Christian because “I’m not good at talking to people. ” Build the Kingdom. Spread the gospel. Be a minister, a flashlight to all dark places. It is not His words that wins hearts, it is the touch of His Word. That touch is only possible if the lost are brought to Him as willing seekers. Jesus was again quite clear: knock and I will open the door. It is you and I whose devoted Love for Christ makes the lost take note and seek what you have, to do that knocking. They will want to know what it is that makes so much Light. It is our required task to spread the Word, not a “hey, if you feel like it. ..”

The Word became flesh that none, not one, should perish, but that all, every single beating heart, might have everlasting life. We decide that scoreboard. Every one that perishes, then, is owed to we who refuse to pass on the Word.

Lord, I will seek Your commands continually. Help us to set our hearts right and to build Your house. Even in the rain, even when we’re tired, even when it hurts. Let our names be Builder and let us be driven to expand Your Kingdom. In the mighty name of Your Word, Jesus, I pray. Amen.