LBW #365, “Built on a Rock”
Devotion
Built on a rock the Church shall stand, even when steeples are falling. In tomorrow's Gospel reading (Mark 13:1-8), we are told of the disciples' awe and wonderment at seeing the large buildings on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Jesus' admonition to them (and to us) is to avoid placing our faith in the works of human hands, no matter how large and wonderful those works may be; for such things do not last.
So, when we think of the Church, let us not think of buildings. Many a steeple has fallen over the centuries; but the Church endures. It endures because the church is the people in whom God Almighty is dwelling. "We are God's house of living stones, built for his own habitation." That's a good thought to carry with us this weekend as we gather with other Christians to worship the one true God.
Prayer
Our wonderful God, we thank you for your indwelling Spirit which gives us the privilege of being the Church. We pray that you accept the worship we bring to you this weekend as we "living stones" gather in church buildings throughout the world. Amen.