CHRIST THE HEAD OF OUR HOME (PSALM 127)

Dear Members in Christ,

Christ the head of our home (Psalm 127)

What is the difference between a house and a home? Is the home merely a dwelling place, a physical structure? Most people would define a home as a place where one lives, a dwelling place. In our contemporary language, we would sometimes use the terms house and home interchangeably. The Bible tells us about what is the scriptural understanding of a house and a home. For this point, we turn to the Bible for guidance, specifically Psalm 127.  

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalm 127:1-3

Late last year, I was very glad when brother James invited me to his new family home for a visitation and a home dedication service. I was very glad for this invitation because there is no greater joy than knowing that God’s people seek and worship Him in their homes. The Bible passage chosen for the exhortation was taken from Psalm 127. Below is a summary of the exhortation which I hope will encourage families and homeowners to open their homes for home devotion and worship.

A. A Christian home is a household built by Christ

Psalm 127 begins with, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it”. The Hebrew word of house is “bayith” which means a house, a structure, a dwelling place. Its usage often extends to the meaning of the assembly of a family, a household or a clan. Such usage can be found in phrases like “the house of Eli in Shiloh” in 1 Kings 2:27, which refers to the man and his family. It can extend also to an entire tribe or clan such as the phrase “House of Judah” in 1 Kings 12:23. 

The important lesson for Christians is this, that Christ is the one who builds house and the family. I am not just referring to the physical structure of the house, for that work is committed to the builders and contractors. Even then we commit every building and renovation project prayerfully into God’s hand. But we must first and foremost, remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is the one who keeps and preserves the peace of the family. The Lord Jesus protects and watch over the household.

The labour that is necessary to build our homes and to provide for and to sustain our families, must also be committed to God’s hands. Otherwise, that labour is in vain. The Lord Jesus is the head of the household, the builder and sustainer.

Brothers and sisters, pray for one another, that we will be spiritually minded to seek God’s help in building our homes (not just a house). May our homes be Christ-honouring, with members who are committed to serving Christ as their Lord and Savior.

B. Home is a place of peace and safety

The first verse of Psalm 127 continues with “except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep”. The reference of a city or “iyr” is a fortified place, a town or city that is under watch of a sentinel. This military reference gives emphasis to safety and protection.

For God’s people, the safety of their homes (or cities) is totally dependent upon God’s gracious hand.

Thus, it is vain to fret and worry about safety and security. That does not mean we neglect common sense practices to keep our homes safe and secure with locks, alarms or safety and accident preventive devices. What this passage teaches is that we ought not to neglect or forget that true safety and protection comes from God alone.

Often, we see plaques which read “Christ is the head of this household”, declaring that in this family of believers, Jesus Christ is honoured and exalted as Lord and Savior. Brothers and sisters, with Christ as the head of the house, we know that we are safe in His care. Our spiritual lives are marked by a close walk with God, and every member of the household enjoy the blessing of God’s protective care. May we experience the lyrics of the familiar hymn, 

“O give us homes built firm upon the Saviour, Where Christ is Head, and Counsellor and Guide;
Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favor. And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waver His faithful Lord is walking by his side!”

May God bless us with joy and peace in our homes as we commit our families and homes to Him. May our members be mindful to serve God in their homes. Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor