TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 7-8
OVERVIEW:
Building Solomon’s house; the temple is furnished; the dedication of the temple.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
The temple was an unbelievably magnificent structure. The details that God provides in chapters 5-7 help us understand how incredible it must have been. (According to architects of today, it would take 86 billion dollars to build the temple to the exact specifications) However, there is another crack in the character of Solomon revealed in 7:1. Notice how God grabs our attention with the very first word – “But”. While Solomon did oversee an awesome work for God, and he loves the Lord, he also built himself quite a nice place. In fact, it took almost twice as long to build his own house as God’s house! We think, “Why would Solomon do such a thing?” don’t we? We must remember we offer our service to God, and even want to do great things for Him, yet in the midst of it all, we still make sure to take care of ourselves. May the Lord help us examine ourselves daily – especially when things are going well.
Chapter 8 is one of the most glorious chapters in the Bible. It is hard for us to imagine the spectacle of that day. The nation is at peace, their king is sought by world leaders because of his wisdom, and now the house of the Lord is finished. Then to witness the glory of the Lord filling the temple so that even the priests could not minister – it would have been awe inspiring. As we read Solomon’s prayer to the Lord we can understand Jesus’ passion in Matthew 21:12-13. Here were His people under the control of a foreign power, and instead of being broken and seeking God in the temple, as I Kings 8:33-34 states they should, they are using the temple for personal gain. The question we should ask ourselves living inLaodiceais, “Are we broken before God, or do we have a form of godliness with no power from God?” The good news is, God does respond to a broken and contrite heart, and just as He filled Solomon’s temple, He can fill our lives on a daily basis. The choice is ours.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As THE GLORY OF GOD filling His temple. – I Kings8:10-11 (John1:14; Isa. 40:5; Matt.16:27-7:2)