Bible Pathway - Apr. 23, 2011
Read 1 Kings 5
Highlights:
Solomon plans for the construction of the Temple. Check out how many years it took before Solomon began to build the Temple of God and how long before he began accumulating horses (I Kin. 4:26; 6:1).
Although the building was beautiful to behold, the real glory of the Temple was deep within. In like manner, the indwelling presence of Jehovah is the life and the inspiration of all who know Him as Savior and Lord. God desires to display His priceless gold, silver, and precious stones of love, joy, peace, and gentleness through every believer. The heaven of heavens is not able to contain Jehovah (8:27); yet, He dwells within the heart of each believer. Solomon's Temple was not a large structure. Its beauty was not in its intricate workmanship and the quality of its materials. Its true glory was the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. The Temple was the only structure on earth ever to be the dwelling place of God.
Solomon's Temple with all its gold was insignificant in comparison to any Christian, who is more precious to our Heavenly Father than all of earth's treasures. The Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are (I Cor. 3:17). The building of the Temple spiritually paralleled building of the believer's character, for we are as lively stones . . . built up a spiritual House . . . acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:5). The construction of the Temple was a noiseless work, for its massive stones were quarried and cut there. There was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the House, while it was in building (I Kin. 6:7). This silence was the design of God and illustrates the manner in which God carries on His work of grace within the Christian. There is much noise and confusion in the world, but quietness and sweet harmony exist in the heart where Christ dwells. The hammers of contention or frustration should be absent from any House of God.
Today every Christian is the Temple of God and His glory dwells within them. The miracle of the new birth and the indwelling Holy Spirit make a clear distinction between the Christian and the unsaved.
The indwelling presence of God is experienced by those who submit to Him. Just think! The God of Heaven lives within every Christian. In Christ ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:22).
Christ as a Son over His own House; whose House are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end (Heb. 3:6).
Thought for Today:
Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple (I Kin. 6). Christ is the true Temple (John 2:21). Through Christ all believers have access to God (Rom. 5:12-21). Through Him we . . . have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Eph. 2:18).
Word Studies:
5:3 under the soles of his feet under his control; 5:4 evil occurrent evil happening; 5:13 levy forced labor; 6:2 a cubit about 18 inches; 6:5 oracle Holy of Holies. Oracle in I Kings 8:8-9 inner sanctuary, location of the two tables of stone. God cannot be separated from His Word whether spoken or written; 6:38 month (of) Bul October/November; 7:4 ranks rows; 7:9 coping the top, the highest course of stone; 7:14 cunning skilled.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Beverly Skinner • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Fred Upton (MI) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that it is by the blood of Christ that we have access to God in prayer (Heb. 10:19).
Optional Reading: Acts 24
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:11
