Solomon
begins the preparation to build the temple, the house of the Lord. The plans
that were given to him by his father David are magnificent and the materials
are stunning in their costliness and beauty. The phrase “spare no expense”
certainly comes to mind. But in the midst of all his preparation, in a letter
to the king of Tyre, he acknowledges one deeply profound truth: “But who is
able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain
him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings
before him?” (2:6)
The
temple, rather than a place that will “contain” God, will be primarily for the
worship of God. It will be the place where the people come to make offerings to
the Lord. He knew that heaven was the true dwelling place of God (1 Kings 8:30)
but even heaven was not vast enough to “contain him.”
What
was God doing? He was given his people a place to worship him and bring their
offerings. The thought reminds me of Jesus statement, “The Sabbath was made for
man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) God is providing for man’s need to
worship. There is no place in all of creation that can contain God for he is
omnipresent — he’s everywhere. But that is not even an accurate description
because God is never limited to a location (even everywhere) but is pervasive over all that is and beyond all that
is. Don’t worry. It’s too big for us to grasp. Just think about it.
One
day God himself will be the temple (Revelation 21:23). But right now the
temple, the place of worship, is the Body of Christ, both individually and
collectively (1 Cor 3:16 [you plural];
5:19-20 [you singular]. So, as the
people did in Solomon’s temple and as Paul exhorted, “glorify God in your body
(the temple).”
Prayer:
Father, the magnificence of the earthly temple of Solomon was perhaps the most
beautiful building ever built, but it was not big enough nor splendid enough
for even you. However, in the wonder of your grace, you dwelt among your
people. Now you dwell in us. We are humbled and amazed that you would dwell in
such a humble place. Help us to do what was done at that first temple. Help us
to truly worship you in spirit and in truth.
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