After the great fire of London in 1666, Wren was given the monumental task of rebuilding 52 churches but St. Paul’s is his masterpiece. Visitors to the cathedral can't help but marvel at the man's genius.
Writing of Jesus in his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul, for whom the cathedral is named, explained that just as an architect deserves more honour than the house he builds so Jesus is more important than anyone who works for God.
So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is more valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God’s house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son is in charge of the house. Hebrews 3:1-6
The Hebrews, to whom Paul was writing, had a high opinion of Moses because he was faithful in his service to God. Moses understood that after him would come someone far greater - a Savior, healer, mediator, redeemer, Master and Maker of all. Paul was stressing the point that someone far greater than Moses had come.
As some honour a building like St. Paul's without thinking of the builder, the Hebrews tended to honour the servant more than the Master. This tendency continues. Christians often seek a leader, a fixer, someone they can look to for all the answers. This person has already come. His name is Jesus.
At this Christmas season, as we celebrate the coming to earth of our Savior, Jesus, the Founder and Builder of our faith, let's make Him the focus of our devotion.
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Rose McCormick Brandon is the author of four books, inclu
ding One Good Word Makes all the Difference and Promises of Home - Stories of Canada's British Home Children. She writes personal essays and devotionals for several publications.
ding One Good Word Makes all the Difference and Promises of Home - Stories of Canada's British Home Children. She writes personal essays and devotionals for several publications. 
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5 comments:
God surely is the Master Architect. What a beautiful place St. Paul's Cathedral - I should say magnificent!
Thanks for your thoughtful post and yes, there sure was/is a Greater One to come. If only we would remember that and live accordingly.
"A builder is more valuable than a building any day."
I cannot say this sentence has never stuck out as much to me as it does right now. How very true.
Thanks for a great encouragement as Christmas fast approaches, and a very Merry Christmas - because of Him!
I visited St. Paul's once. I could have spent the whole day there but not allowed on a tour. Just long enough to be completely consumed by its beauty. Couldn't help think of all the craftsmen who spent long days labouring to make the place beautiful. Even in far-off corners, like the side of a pew that no one will ever see without trying, there are intricate carvings. What a different mindset they had - made to last for centuries - compared to our throw-away culture.
A bang-on message, Rose, and solidly on the Scripture and the elementary - although too often overlooked - truth, that the One who builds is greater than what He builds. I remember standing quite awestruck in St. Paul's as a kid.
Your point regarding our throw-away culture is well-taken, too. I've known of apartment blocks that were built less than fifty years ago being demolished and new ones with many more stories being thrown up in their place.~~+~~
It must be my age, Peter, but I find myself disgusted that people throw away timeless pieces of furniture and replace them with slabs of pressed board with screwed-on legs. Surely, soon, people will again treasure well-crafted things. I'm sounding like a relic - Sigh.
I hear you Rose, and I'm right there, too! :)~~+~~
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