Temples

The word of the Lord came to Solomon: “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfil through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel. (verse 11-13)

Read 1 Kings 6:1-14

The text is very specific about the details of Solomon’s temple. It was a beautiful and superbly crafted building of hewn rock, fir wood, olivewood and countless cedars from Lebanon. Most remarkably though, inside was completely overlaid with gold!

Interestingly, when speaking to Solomon, the Lord makes no mention at all about the beauty or the craftmanship of the building. Instead, God’s main concern is for them to follow him and obey his commands. He is more concerned for the people’s hearts.

The Lord has not changed. Jesus said, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’ (John 14:23)

How do you react knowing that believers are ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 6:19)?

Almighty King of heaven, thank you that you love me, and make your home in me. Help me to obey your teaching and grow deeper in love with you. Amen.

by Rebecca Cronau in ‘Time Out to Tune in’ (LCA, Australian Christian Resources, 2018)

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