The Temple (Part 1)

1 Kings 6:1, 11-13

“1 In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord...  11 The word of the Lord came to Solomon: 12 “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 fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. 13 And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.”

If you read the description of the Temple in 1Kings 6, you will read that it was large and ornate.  No detail was left out, no cost was spared.  Solomon built God a luxurious house.  

But this is not where God wanted to live.  God wanted to live in the heart of Solomon and the hearts of all who believed in Him.  Rather than fine things, God desired faith and obedience above all else.  Only if Solomon and the Israelites were faithful and obedient would God live among them.

God does not want a large, ornate church, large columns, polished floors, large entrance ways or well kept grounds.  

God wants our hearts; the true temple of God.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)