September 4, 2023 — Psalm 127

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”  Psalm 127 reminds us to reflect on the type of work we do and why. A lot of understanding is wrapped up in these few words. In the Christian tradition, we have seen it expressed as the great debate on the nature of grace, the debate between faith and works. Catholics, Lutherans and others now say together that G-d’s grace is the beginning of everything, but that we are called to respond to G-d’s invitation by doing the works of G-d. Grace is not reliant upon how much we do, but Grace is how we respond every day through our works. It is a response to the immense love G-d has for all.  So yes, the Lord builds the house but, as the psalmist recognizes, there is a human laborer involved, as well. That would be you or me. So what is our labor? What house are we building?

The most important work for any of us would be developing relationships — our relationship with G-d and our relationship with our neighbors, both formed and founded in G-d’s love, which we then labor, build, cultivate and nurture. It is in our families, in our relationships with friends and neighbors, where we see the work we do bring forth blessings for the Lord. It is here where we are called, simply yet profoundly, to love one another. That is the most important work we can do for the Lord.

Let us Pray:

O God, you made your home with us in Jesus, your beloved child. May our earthly households be built on the rock of your steadfast love, that our work and our rest, our times together and our times alone, may be centered in you and enjoy your blessing; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Pastor Dave