We are in the Quarry Here
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 6:7
When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
As someone who builds things, I find this to be an impressive feat. I have, at times, built cabinets in my shop based on measurements taken on the job site and then brought them to the job and installed them. But even then, on occasion, had to make adjustments on site. So, to consider the size and scope of the Temple project and the fact that all the stones were quarried off-site and brought on-site and set in place without further chipping or chiseling is remarkable.
I don’t think it is a stretch or without merit to notice the analogy that is in play here. We – the church - are the temple of God. We are God’s house. Life here is full of chipping and chiseling. All the things that make us unfit for the house are being sheared off and tossed on the rubble pile. The hammer and chisel are doing their work. It involves the pain of removal. We are being shaped. We are in the quarry here.
The builder knows exactly what he is doing. He sees the final plans. Every stone is being perfectly prepared here for what it needs to be there. He is not making any mistakes or misjudgments. Once we are carried over there, we will fit perfectly into place. “He who began a good work in you will complete it.”