Working On A Building

Of the sons of the priests: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and he was called by their name. These searched among their ancestral registration, but they could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood. The governor said to them that they should not eat from the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummim. (Ezra 2:61-63)

You would think that going on an expedition to Jerusalem to restore the Temple, anyone would be welcome in whatever the position. It was after all a major undertaking and an arduous journey. Maybe the priestly standard could be relaxed just a bit. But not so. There is always a standard that is nonnegotiable when it comes to holy things and holy preparation. The first thing is for people who work in holiness to be holy…set apart…not just anyone will do when we do spiritual things. The Urim and Thummin was in some way a vehicle of revelation. The governor wanted to hear from the Lord. And the methods and the means were not to be compromised. My desire to be a minister of the gospel requires that the Lord bring that desire to me. I must be concerned and consumed with the thoughts of being a holy man. Holiness in God’s priests, ministers, leaders, and learners makes an eternal difference. For I, too, am building a temple of the Lord…I’m working on a building.  In words that are better sung than spoken, It's a Holy Ghost building, It's a Holy Ghost building, It's a Holy Ghost Building, for my Lord, for my Lord!