What kind of house is this?
Wes and I are in Branson this year, enjoying somewhat cooler weather, as well as all of the rest, fellowship, and activity this place has to offer.
This morning, I took some time to walk around the neighborhood of vacation rentals, and my attention was caught by something I’d just never given much thought to before: all the homes had names. Eagle’s Nest. Scenic Lookout. Comfy Cottage, etc. Weird. It never occurred to me to give my
If you are at all familiar with shows like Star Trek, Game of Thrones, or Dune, a house name might take on a different connotation. Worf, for example, is from the house of Mogh. You might think of the House Targaryen or Stark from Game of Thrones, or House Atreides or Harkonnen from Dune. The reason that “House” is used instead of just last names is to emphasize dynastic power, political institutions, and legacy over individual family identity.
God gave His house a name as well. We read about it in Isaiah 56:7 [NIV] – “these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Jesus later quotes this scripture in Matthew 21:13 [NIV] – "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"
The word used for “house” in Matthew 21:13 can mean/be use for the actual dwelling or the family group. So, it could be a dwelling with a name, like the condos in Branson. Or it could signify a family dynasty, power, legacy, institution. God’s house of prayer is, in fact, both.
Jesus was defending the physical temple that was in Jerusalem, but His words could also speak for His family – His dynasty. God’s house today is not a physical temple. Though we gather in buildings and homes for worship, God’s dwelling is not in the building, but in the people there.
Scriptures like Acts 2:38, Romans 8:11, Hebrews 9:11 and especially 1 Corinthians 3:16 [KJV], where it says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” teach us that WE are the dwelling place of God. We are to be His House of Prayer. Prayer is our dynastic legacy for generations from the time of Adam walking with and talking with God in the Garden, until today, God’s House of Prayer has always been a place where God and humans communicate – via songs, messages, inspiration, and fellowship in the Word.
However, we do not require a building for that. We are God’s House Prayer. His fellowship with His people is everywhere and always, aloud in song and silently in our minds; during specific Bible study time and while experiencing the beauty of nature; with other believers or alone.
Dear friends, I invite us to step boldly into our roles and responsibilities as members of the eternal, powerful House Prayer dynasty, following in the examples of our ancestors and the legacy they have written for us into the Bible, as we carve our own place in this great house.
What will you do today as a member of God’s House Prayer dynasty?
I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the comment section, or any time at Nancy@DyanmicChristianMinistries.org.