Hi
Have you ever visited a Christian temple (church building) and just marveled at its beauty? Or it’s apparent disrepair? If the temple was still functional what assumptions did you make about the builders and the current worshippers based on its appearance? Chew slowly, the reflection on today’s Holy Nougat is some serious Food for thought.
““This must be a magnificent Temple because our God is greater than all other gods.” 2 Chronicles 2:5 NLT
And it was!
Solomon spared NO expense. None. Foreigners were conscripted and taxed. The description pulls you in. While reading about the glory of the Solomonic Temple, all I could remember was the fact that that temple was destroyed, stripped bare of all the gold and splendor; partly because of pride.
Hezekiah, Solomon’s great, great, great … great grandson entertained guests, gave the grand tour and included a tour of the Temple. Except that in his fervor to welcome his guests, he forgot to seek godly counsel. After their departure, Isaiah the prophet advised him of his folly. (2 Kings 20) A few generations later; the prophecy was fulfilled.
Have we even tried to present to YHWH the Most magnificent temple for Y’shua to reside? Did we sacrifice anything for the temple at all? Yes; it is different. The temple to which I refer is our own body. But it still requires our best preparation, especially if The King of Glory is expected to be in residence! Have we cobwebbed recently? Checked that Pride isn’t going to cost us all the fixings down to the foundation?
We have access to God’s glory and to the Holy of Holies THROUGH Jesus Christ, Y’shua; not ourselves. Preparing the Temple is about Y’shua ALONE having Total Access to our temple; not everyone who purports to be religious. It’s about seeking God’s glory and engaging that which pleases God. And, by virtue thereof, it’s about intentionally forfeiting attitudes and actions which repel God’s presence. Sometimes it’s the little things. Definitely it’s when we become inundated with self and forget Who is supposed to be in residence.
How’s your temple looking? And what is at the foundation? Is it welcoming others to join in worship? What assumptions could be made about you?
Selah
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
