Today's Reading - Proverbs 28 & Psalm 127

Let the Lord Build the House

Having recently completed the construction of the Lord’s “House” in Jerusalem (the Temple), it is fitting that Solomon would be the writer of the words found in Psalm 127.  His simple point is, that no matter how hard a man may work, if God's blessing is not upon him, it will all go for nothing.

The phrase “builds the house” can be understood in the literal sense, as in building a house to live in. In this usage, Solomon is telling us that God must be the one leading and guiding and orchestrating our building project. It is useless for us to work so hard from morning to night if He is not. In Solomon’s case, the usage of this phrase referred directly to his construction of the Lord’s house at Jerusalem. He had learned that the most important aspect of his project was God’s involvement and blessing.

This phrase could also be taken to mean one’s “dynasty” or family regime. In Solomon’s day, as kings would amass wealth and power to themselves, it was known as “building their house” (as in “building the house of Caesar”). The idea here being that it does no good to create such an “empire” if God isn’t the power undergirding it. In our modern day, we might use the term “dynasty” to refer to elite or influential athletes or athletics. Those who are team members and supporters are considered “in the house” of that particular team. Building this type of “house” will end up in vain as time passes and the glory fades.

The most important usage of the phrase “builds the house” refers to our lives – the way we live and move and interact and influence; the person we marry; the business we start; the family we raise; the clubs we join; the church we attend; the ministries we serve. We are told in the New Testament that Jesus is the “Master Builder” and that we are the “Temple” of the Holy Spirit. His calling is for us to let Him build our lives. You can try to build your own life, perhaps by philosophy or pop religion or self-help influences. Or perhaps by education or your career or your investment portfolio. But any “house” not built by God will ultimately fail.

This is a powerful reminder that anything we build (or attempt to build) without God’s involvement and blessing cannot endure. The house of those who build their life apart from God and His word and His Spirit will ultimately come to nothing. That life, although seemingly adequate for a moment, will finally end up “in vain.” We must not work so hard to build something that God has not led us to, and empowered us to, and is orchestrating for His glory and kingdom. For all else, the glory will fade.