A Day-by-day devotional

April 17, 2023

Church bells

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 11-14

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 26:8

Since their first use, church bells are rung to summon people to church. In the medieval towns of Europe, which were usually small and walled, the church bells would resonate throughout the town. It would be impossible not to hear them wherever within the town one might be.

The same function is held by church bells these days. Their ringing signifies a call. They form no words, yet, they announce, “People of the Lord, come into His House!” Since ancient time, a building, a church or a temple where people meet to worship God is called God’s house. Jesus called the temple my Father’s house (Luke 2:49). One might think that this was probably just child speech. However, it is not the case since He repeated it as an adult (John 2:16).

In learning about good manners and proper conduct, we know that upon entering a church, no matter if you are regularly attending it or not, we are supposed to remove our hat or bonnet as a sign of reverence. We also lower our voice or speak in hushed volumes whenever we enter a church. These things we have been taught as acts of reverence to what is considered as the house of God.

Since Old Testament times, the church, temple, or synagogue is a place of worship where God’s people gather together to fellowship with one another, and with Him. It is therefore indeed a holy place. When Jesus came to the world, He told the Jews questioning His authority, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days” (John 2:19). We now know that the temple He was talking about was His body. When Jesus, the Son of God, offered up His life for us, He became the temple where we, sinful people are able to meet and commune with the Holy God. We meet with God in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit of God overshadowed Jesus’ mother so He can be born in human flesh, yet remain God. The same Holy Spirit empowered Jesus in His ministry and raised Him back to life from death. The Holy Spirit has always lived in Jesus. Likewise, those who have put their trust in Jesus also are endowed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in each believer. We are therefore His temple. This connects us together as the Body of Christ, and being His Body, we are all connected to Him.

Taken together, although our place of worship is the house of the Lord, the worshipper is also His Spirit’s temple. If you want to be in church, or attend church, therefore, being in the house of the Father realizes that. However, we do not need to look further. Together with other believers, we also constitute His house. No matter where we are, if we gather together with other believers in His name, we are in His house. So, every time you hear a church bell ring, remember that.

Reflection: Do you currently have a physical place of worship to meet with other believers? If not, what steps are you taking to find a community to fellowship and worship God with?

Prayer: Truly, it is better to be one day in your courts, Lord, than a thousand elsewhere (Psalm 84:10). Instill in me a love for your house, and a longing to worship you within a community of other believers. Amen.