Imagine a university needs, say, a dedicated sciences building. An architect is hired to design it with all the latest technology, but to be in keeping with the overall style of the other buildings on campus. The drawings are approved and work begins. First, there’s the site work, leveling the ground, creating an exterior foot- and vehicle traffic- pattern, and installing all the plumbing and electrical conduits, and finally, the footings. Up to this point, to the casual observer (me), this all looks like there is nothing much happening! But how critical is this preparation work for the building that is to be built!
Then, finally, there’s the part one can see. Before long, the shape emerges, walls, roof, windows, doors. Then the exterior cladding. Once the structure is weathertight, the long fit out inside begins. Again, it seems there are lots of workers and trucks, etc. but nothing new is visible from the outside.
What always amazes me, is that from the very beginning, the architect ‘sees’ the finished project! Every part of the construction fits together like pieces of a puzzle, a puzzle that he/she has designed. And regular watching over confirms there’s no variation from the plans. All is as per the plan, right down to the paint colors and hardware installed throughout ‘his/her’ building.
Of course, our Master Architect has His plan, (Plan ‘A’) too. Spanning multiple millennia, His outside-of-time vantage point allows Him to envisage the end from the beginning. He never leaves the ‘work site.’ When something appears amiss, He intervenes to make sure that the slippage is corrected. If there’s resistance to His correction, He insists more strongly (ask me how I know). His wants are simple enough, only that the building be perfect.
The Apostle Paul assures us: ‘You are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the temple, and your lives are being built up together upon the ideal foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, you are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ himself! This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under his supervision until it rises up completed as the holy temple of the Lord himself. This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you!’ Ephesians 2:20-22, TPT.
What a glory-rich thought! We agree with the Psalmist, ‘God, glorify your name! Yes, your name alone be glorified, not ours. For you are the one who loves us passionately, and you are faithful and true.’ Psalm 115:1, TPT. Looking forward to seeing you ‘perfectly fitted stones’ tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK. PD
