Psalm 127

Read Psalm 127

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Solomon was the man that the Lord used to build the temple in Jerusalem. He was a great king who had many amazing achievements, but he knew that only God was capable of building a house that would last.

The God of Israel called His people to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. They were called upon to undertake great projects in the service of the Almighty. Nevertheless, their plans would amount to nothing unless their endeavors were consistent with the Lord's own eternal purpose.

Staying up late at night and rising early in the morning could never bring about the achievement of what God had not ordained. He did not call upon Israel to be filled with anxiety in order to accomplish the work of God, but to trust Him and to rest in His good provision.

The Lord was not only the ultimate builder of His temple, He was also the God who alone could grant His people family blessings. The children He gave to Solomon and others in Israel were “a heritage from the Lord.” The generations of any great man's descendants might end up being a “house” that would last for many more years than any structure that human hands could build.

Solomon's descendants were a great gift from God. One of them would build a “house” for God that would be far greater than the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The church He had in mind would not be a building, but a family that would encompass many generations and would live on forever and ever.

All who labor today in building up the temple of the Holy Spirit would do well to remember the words of Solomon. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Jesus will build up His kingdom. We can rest in Him as we seek to obey His commandments. “He gives to His beloved sleep.”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father God, You build the house. You watch over us. You guard us. We can sleep at night because of You. You will bring the next generation of faithful people forward. Surely Your Son Jesus Christ has a multitude of children who will glorify You forever.