I like to base Bible studies on objects in nature that are referred to in the Bible. In addition to my collection and photos of lichen I have a collection and photos of stromatolites In case you aren’t familiar with stromatolites, they are mats of bacteria that trapped particles such as sand and silt, and gradually hardened, resulting in a layered appearance. These photos are from stromatolites found in the Snowy Range in southern Wyoming, not too far from Laramie. These stromatolites are fossils that were once alive. To see living stromatolites you have to go to Australia or the Bahamas where they are under water producing bubbles of oxygen.
I had been at a loss about how make a connection between them and something in the Bible, until recently, while reading a biography of Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor in Africa, I came to the chapter titled Living Stones. Helen had fulfilled a dream of being part of building a hospital and medical training center for native medical workers which was a beacon of hope for medical treatment is all of Congo. Then in 2002 a group of 7,000 rebel soldiers attacked the hospital compound, killing 1000 people, looting and burning all of the hospital buildings. Nothing was left but rubble. When she visited the area Helen questioned why God would allow this to happen. Then she thought of 1 Peter 2:4-5. “Come to Him, to that living stone rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house (temple) to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. The medical training school and hospital had been destroyed, but they had never been the true aim of Helens missionary work. The focus was the people Helen touched, the students, hospital staff and patients -the living stones, these she was able to point to Jesus, who still remained unbroken by circumstances.
But what exactly does it mean for us to be a living stone? In what way are we being built up into a temple offering up spiritual sacrifices? 1 Cor. 6:19 tells us that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. We know that we individuals are parts of the body of Christ. Romans 12 tells us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and let God transform us inwardly so that we can know what His will is for us. “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of His one body, (living stones) and each of us has different work to do. Since we are one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you.” (For example, if you feel strongly that God is giving you something to share with others, maybe an insight into a Bible verse or teaching, then share it, believing that God is speaking through you.) “If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it. If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them…”
As living stones, we are told to sincerely love one another, live in harmony with each other and bless those who curse us. We are warned against being prideful but encouraged to be humble, to be patient in trouble, and always prayerful. And as a practical suggestion, “be in the habit of inviting guests home for dinner”.
Look at the people around you, living stones, fitted together, a dwelling place of God’s Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22) with our foundation in Jesus, and lives committed to serving Him as we serve others.
Lets pray together. Lord Jesus Christ we pray that we, each a living stone, will continue to be built up into your dwelling place, a living and growing community, as we serve others and glorify You by touching the lives of others.