Whether our structures facilitate gatherings, shelter families, or simply store things, buildings have meaning due to their purposes as ascribed by people—people made in the image of God with a biblical mandate, among other tasks, to cultivate and name. Sometimes, such structural purposes are even articulated by God himself.
He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:13
Here, the words “build” and “house” point beyond brick and mortar into to the true purpose for good structures… to establish and bless people. This establishment and blessing communicate God’s deepest heart for humanity—that they would dwell with him. Look at how the entire biblical narrative concludes:
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Structures have meaning because people do… and dwelling with God is our ultimate purpose. So… we build.
What then of re-building? If construction can carry divine purposes, what do we make of those who re-claim, re-name, and re-store old structures? Perhaps, they are secret agents after God’s own heart, on mission for communion.
After this I will return, [says the LORD] and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it… Acts 15:16
This painting was inspired by friends like Shannon who see the possibilities behind structures like an old St. Joe classic, the Frank X Timmers Saloon. Her vision for this structure reflects the deeper purposes God has for all of us.
Rebuild.
