“But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” – Hebrew 3:6 (KJV).
A house is meant to provide shelter, security and comfort. It shields the occupants from rain, cold and heat of the sun and harsh weather. A house provides safety and protection, saving one from vulnerability. Like the physical house which provides all these and a place of rest, the spiritual house that Christ is building, called the church, serves all these purposes and much more. Unlike the physical structures made of tangible and perishable material like bricks and stones, the spiritual house uses lively stones comprising of believers in Christ of various tribes and tongues with Jesus himself as the chief corner stone. The foundation is laid on the apostles. It is not a physical structure but each believer make up the building blocks. We are all part of the building, the body being perfected by that which every joint supplies, but the ultimate builder is God.
The house that God builds is a solid one that is founded on the rock, the gates of hell, storms and wind cannot prevail against it. We find the greatest security, shelter and comfort from God’s house. Our welfare is guaranteed in God’s house. It is a loving family of lovely people.
What a joy to be part of this house, the universal church, the chosen generation, a royal nation called out of darkness into his marvelous light. In this house, our landlord is our father and all the believers are our siblings. There are many mansions in this house affording enough space for everyone. No room for unhealthy competition, jealousy, hatred and strife, for the love of God and the values of the family are promoted.
The former house that Moses built was governed by rules and regulations, dos and don’ts under legal system, but the new house is controlled by love; service is rendered by love as the motive and driving force and the glory of God as the ultimate goal. What a privilege to be part of this house – the church.
PRAYER: Father help me to hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of this hope firm unto the end.
Rev. Vincent Diolu