by Pastor Bob Lawrenz
A couple decided several years ago that it was time to build a new home. Knowing generally what they wanted in a house, they considered a parcel of land that they came across: its shape, its high spots, its low spots, its good points and its less desirable points. They decided the highest elevation on the lot would be ideal for their new home, and they purchased it.
They went about designing a house that would optimize the lot by how the house was situated atop of the hill. The couple planned, and looked, adjusted, and made choices. They designed and used the lot to enhance the house, and they used the house to enhance the lot. The view from each window has its own vista.
This is how God chose, and looked, and planned when He directed David to purchase Ornan's threshing floor. He bought the land, and built an altar. Ornan was a peace-loving Jebusite, but God had plans for his land atop a mountain. David sacrificed there to stop a plague that had spread across all Israel.
Today, on the site of that threshing floor stands the beautiful City of Jerusalem. God had a plan. Like our friends' house, Jerusalem in all its beauty, it is as a good work done where God directed. Great as it is, it is still an earthly city. It is destined to be replaced by the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-11).
God sees us the same way. He sees our potential, and what He can make out of our earthly beings. He knows where and how to situate us and He'll move heaven and earth to complete that task. Like Jerusalem, we too are destined for change. Are you willing to let God take you as a raw material and change you into something that no longer resembles the old earthly "you?"
In the Book of Revelation, the Church on Earth becomes the Bride of Christ in heaven. Believers are the Church, so we will be the Bride, and like Jerusalem we will be fitly put together...God has a plan still for us.
"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." Ephesians 2:21
