Arrows, Not Monuments

Go around Zion, encircle it; count its towers, note its ramparts; tour its citadels so that you can tell a future generation: "This God, our God forever and ever -- He will lead us eternally." - Psalm 48:12-14

"Zion" was another name for the mountain of God (Horeb) and, for the Israelite, it was a reminder of God's power and presence. The mountain served as a visible, tangible expression of a spiritual reality.

I have pastored two churches that had a deep and rich histories. Perhaps, this morning, you will attend one with a similar past. In churches such as these, it is possible to view visible reminders of God's past faithfulness. Such churches however, must not dwell on their previous achievements, but should continue to build toward the future with the clear intent of declaring God's faithfulness to succeeding generations.

Buildings must never become monuments to past glory, but instead should simply exist as arrows to future possibility. As our churches reflect on God's historic faithfulness, let us also remain committed to declare that faithfulness through ever-increasing obedience to all the generations that have yet to hear of our faithful Christ.

Old churches must not simply stand as monuments to the past but as spiritual grandparents that have invested in the future by passing on their life to others and releasing their offspring to form new congregations. Church planting needs to be given priority by old-line denominations. - Eddie Gibbs