Illuminating The Word
By the Hand of God, the House Is Made
An original poem illustrating Christ as the cornerstone, where God builds His house and firmly establishes our faith.
The metaphor of God’s house as depicted in Scripture is both powerful and relatable. Throughout the Bible, we see the image of a house — a place of security, belonging, and refuge. God is the master builder, Christ the cornerstone, and we, His people, are living stones that form a spiritual house. This metaphor transcends time and culture, offering a beautiful picture of how God’s presence and purpose are woven into our lives.
Whether in times of peace or trial, the idea that we are part of God’s eternal home provides comfort and hope. Each stone, carefully placed, signifies our role in His greater plan, and the foundation, rooted in Christ, remains steadfast through every storm. These biblical images invite us to reflect on our place in God’s divine structure — a house not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens.
A Poem
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the words of this poem, allowing the imagery of Christ as the cornerstone and God as the master builder to resonate deeply. Each stanza is inspired by the powerful truths found in Scripture, and I invite you to explore the references below to see how God’s Word has shaped the heart of this piece. Let these verses serve as a foundation for your own reflection and understanding.
By the hand of God, the house is made,
A dwelling firm, where faith has stayed.
Christ, the cornerstone, chosen and true,
A stone once rejected, yet made anew.¹For every house is built by someone,
But God is the builder of everything.
On this rock, His church will rise,
No storm can shake, no flood surprise.²The wise man builds upon the rock,
And wind and rain, they cannot shock.
But those who hear and turn away,
Will find their house in disarray.³The walls are living, stones of light,
Together built, a holy sight.
You, like living stones, are placed,
A spiritual house, a priesthood graced.⁴In Him, we’re bound, “our hearts as one,
Through love, “the work of God is done.
No longer strangers, “but fellow citizens,
A house not made by human hands.⁵On prophets’ words and apostles’ ground,
With Christ, the cornerstone, we’re bound.
In Him, the whole building is joined,
A dwelling place where God’s Spirit shines.⁶In heaven’s courts, we find our rest,
A city prepared, adorned and blessed.
For here we have no lasting place,
But long for God’s eternal grace.⁷And should this earthly tent be torn,
We wait for homes in heaven born.
God dwells with us, His people dear,
His voice like thunder, drawing near.⁸He will be with us, and we His own,
Our God, who calls us to His throne.
Unless the Lord builds what He begins,
All labor’s lost, all toil is thin.⁹But He, the Branch, will bear the crown,
And build His temple, casting down
All earthly pride, for heaven’s grace,
In every stone, His Spirit’s place.¹⁰A temple holy, we now become,
A house eternal, never undone.
In my Father’s house are many rooms,
A dwelling place for those who dared.¹¹To trust in Him, who called them home,
And now with Him, no more to roam.
For where He is, there we will be,
A promise held in eternity.¹²
As we reflect on the house built by God’s hands, we are reminded that our faith, like a carefully laid foundation, is anchored in Christ, the cornerstone. In Him, we find our eternal dwelling, a place not made by human effort, but by divine grace. Let us continue to build our lives on this truth, trusting that, in God’s perfect plan, every stone is placed with purpose, and every heart is bound together in His Spirit.
Join the Conversation
What does it mean to you to be a living stone in God’s house? How have you seen God as the master builder in your life, shaping and fitting you into His purpose? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s explore together how this beautiful metaphor resonates with each of us. Let’s build up and encourage one another as we continue to grow into a spiritual dwelling for His glory.
References
[1] Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:6, 1 Peter 2:6
[2] Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 3:4
[3] Matthew 7:24–27
[4] 1 Peter 2:5,
[5] Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 1 John 4:12
[6] Ephesians 2:20–22
[7] Psalm 84:10, Hebrews 4:9–10, Hebrews 13:14, Titus 2:13, Revelation 21:2
[8] John 14:2, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 21:3
[9] Psalm 127:1, Ezekiel 37:27, Hebrews 4:16, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 21:3
[10] Zechariah 6:12–13, Isaiah 11:1, James 4:6, Ephesians 2:21–22, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 3:16
[11] 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:1, John 14:2, 1 Peter 2:5
[12] John 14:1, John 14:3, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 John 2:25, Revelation 21:3–4
The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer.
I’m a dad who blogs about the intersections of life, faith, family, and technology. These are the threads that weave through my personal and spiritual walk.
© Dave Hallmon October 11, 2024.
