In 1 Kings 5, we read about Solomon working with Tyre and Sidon (non-Jewish cities) to build the temple of the Living God. Solomon says of these people, “there is no one among us [Israelites] who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” (1 K 5:6).
Consider that for a moment. God so arranged that outsiders of Israel are uniquely qualified to make the best temple for God. Ask yourself, Why wouldn’t God want to use his own people to make his temple?
The temple of the Old Testament translates to God’s church in the New Testament (Ephesians 2; 1 Peter 2; etc.). It was the place where God resided, and now God resides within the souls of his people–and especially when there is a corporate expression united under His Name and Lordship (Matt. 18:20).
So if we put these 2 concepts together–that God’s temple is his church AND the temple was built with the help of outsiders–I wonder if this doesn’t give a unique perspective on God’s desire to evangelize and bring in the nations to work on building up his church.
What skills and ministries and callings does He have prepared to help his church that will be found by those who aren’t yet joined to Christ? Think of the opportunity and extra value this gives within your neighbor, friend, family member who doesn’t yet know Christ. There is yet time. There is yet room. For God’s church to be even more glorious!
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:12-15
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