Here is the church; here is the steeple…
In the summer of 1985, I hitchhiked through England and France (some Switzerland). At that time, if you were willing to eat cheaply, stay at youth hostels, travel around on the Eurorail, you could live fairly inexpensively. Needless to say, it was a fabulous summer—challenging, maturing, and enlightening. I was introduced to different cultures, different lands and vistas, different ways of living. I had just recently become a believer before traveling overseas, so my faith was very immature; and, consequently, I didn’t take advantage of many things that I should have. Funny example: I was shown John Calvin’s chair; and thought… “Huh, that’s nice… Next?” Totally didn’t appreciate what I was seeing! (Note: Calvin was a theologian whose writings and thinking I now love.)
If you have been in Europe, you know that there are some spectacular, ancient buildings. I marveled at old castles, back-alley neighborhoods, the massive estates. And, of course, the churches—from small, country chapels to awe-inspiring cathedrals. And, the cathedrals truly do inspire awe! Simply overwhelming! I was completely taken in by the architecture, the stain-glass, the pillars, the masonry artwork, the sheer massive-ness of it all. Overwhelming!
But, I was so young spiritually that I didn’t really think through what the churches and cathedrals meant for the people in their relationship with the Lord. That whole reason for the building’s existence in the first place went completely past me.
I don’t know when I learned the simple children’s rhyme (with fingers interlocked…): “Here is the church, here is the steeple; open up the doors, and see all the people!” At its best, this little ditty is fun for toddlers and can get them to think about the church and its people. At its worst, this can communicate the idea that the church and people are somehow different. The “church” becomes a building, a place to go, an institution with meetings, facilities, and money. I know I’m getting a lot from some wiggling fingers, but the temptation to identify “the church” with “a building” runs deep. But, it’s a temptation we must resist!
When the Bible was written, there were no church buildings, and yet the church is frequently spoken of. When Jesus speaks of the church, or Peter or Paul write to the church, they are not addressing a building, but a gathering of people dedicated to the worship of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. The church does not contain the people of God, the church IS the people of God.
The cathedrals I saw throughout Europe are amazing in nearly every way—often, they are spectacular witnesses to man’s desire to worship and honor God. But, our buildings can distract us from what God Himself is building. He is building the True Church; He is building a people to worship Him, a people to serve Him, a people to love Him. We do not go to church. We ARE the church.
In preparation to worship this Sunday as the church, read 1 Peter 2:9-10.
1. Read through the first 8 verses of this chapter. The “Living Stone” here is obviously Jesus. We are pictured as “living stones” joining together to form the building of God. How do these verses connect to our verses today?
2. Note: The “you” is a plural “you” not singular. That is, in Pittsburghese, read: “Yinz.” What difference does this make? How differently would you understand this if it were addressed to individuals, rather than a whole people?
3. What follows in these verses are four nouns with four
adjectives. What do each mean?
Chosen race
Royal priesthood
Holy nation
God’s own possession
4. What is implied in the idea that we are a priesthood? What does a priest do, and how can we all do that in this world?
5. To be “holy” means “to be set apart.” But many take that to mean, “to be perfect, or pure.” How do the two definitions connect?
6. How might you “proclaim the excellencies of God” more this week? How would thinking of yourself as part of the Church—a chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s possession—effect the way your “proclaim His excellencies”?
7. What might Peter mean by saying we were “not a people”
before?
