I think many of us, maybe most, think of
this scripture in terms of Christ being there, in heaven, working on our
mansion, while we, on earth, go about our (mostly self-absorbed) lives. He's
the "contractor" that we've entrusted with the building, blueprints and all, and
we'll look forward to the day when we can take up full-time residence there.
Well, maybe "look forward to," is a little strong. That would imply that we
realize that this life, this "residence" is passing, transient, and unable to
bring any lasting satisfaction. Truth to tell, I think a number of us are quite
comfortable where we're at right now. The mansion is a great concept, but we've
gotten pretty acclimated to the hovels we've built with our own hands here.
What's the rush in leaving?
Here's the thing. I don't think the Lord was talking so much about building a future "home" for us as He is a present one. He's not off somewhere constructing our "dreamhouse." He's doing it right now, or seeking to, in us. As I heard someone put it, "He's doing a renovation project in us, except that we don't get to move out while it's taking place." Renovation projects are messy. A lot of "trash" is accumulated in the process. Trash that has to be removed, thrown out, so that the renovation can go on, and eventually, be complete. A lot that is ugly, useless, even dangerous, is exposed, and all of it has to go. The Lord doesn't hire a "crew" to do that, He enlists us to work with Him, as He removes it from the, our, premises. This renovation project will gut our entire home, our life. When all has been cleared out, He'll then be free to rebuild it after His blueprint, which is His image. That can't happen until He's "re-wired" the home so that it can have proper light. His light, and that light reaches every room, every inch of that home. When the renovation has progressed to His satisfaction, its then that He can "receive us to Himself." Our hovel has been transformed into His mansion by the work of His Holy Spirit.
Here's the thing. I don't think the Lord was talking so much about building a future "home" for us as He is a present one. He's not off somewhere constructing our "dreamhouse." He's doing it right now, or seeking to, in us. As I heard someone put it, "He's doing a renovation project in us, except that we don't get to move out while it's taking place." Renovation projects are messy. A lot of "trash" is accumulated in the process. Trash that has to be removed, thrown out, so that the renovation can go on, and eventually, be complete. A lot that is ugly, useless, even dangerous, is exposed, and all of it has to go. The Lord doesn't hire a "crew" to do that, He enlists us to work with Him, as He removes it from the, our, premises. This renovation project will gut our entire home, our life. When all has been cleared out, He'll then be free to rebuild it after His blueprint, which is His image. That can't happen until He's "re-wired" the home so that it can have proper light. His light, and that light reaches every room, every inch of that home. When the renovation has progressed to His satisfaction, its then that He can "receive us to Himself." Our hovel has been transformed into His mansion by the work of His Holy Spirit.
So, how's work on your "mansion" going?
Have you "hired" Jesus to get it built, make it ready, while you go on living
here, and quite at home "here" all the while? Or, have you allowed Him to move
in, on site, and set to work with a passion to renovate a home that has serious,
even deadly foundational problems? Has He been able to make all ready for
Himself, or, is our property one that's ready to be leveled, except we don't
know it? Where are we more at home,, in His mansion, or our hovel?
Blessings,
Pastor O
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