Bible Pathways - Apr. 23, 2009
April 23
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Solomon makes great plans for the construction of the Temple. Check out how many years it took before Solomon begins to build the House of God and how long before he began accumulating horses (6:37 — 7:1).
The Temple was called the House of God where the Lord chose to put His Name (Deut. 12:5). It was sacred because the two tables, written with the finger of God (Ex. 31:18; Deut. 10:4), were located within the Holy of Holies where the presence of God dwelt (I Kin. 8:6-9).
When the House of God was built, it was constructed of stone made ready before it was brought thither (in): so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the House, while it was in building (6:7). This illustrates that, regardless of how surrounded we are with all the noise and activity of the world, deep within our hearts dwells the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
The quiet erection of the Temple in Jerusalem also illustrates the unnoticed manner in which God dwells within our hearts. It should also be a strong reminder to us not to mistake noise for spiritual progress. We tend to measure the importance of things by the excitement they generate.
However, we are to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29) into His glorious image, not by noisy, exciting human activity, but silently by the power of the Holy Spirit, as day by day He perfects His Temple within every believer (II Cor. 3:18; comp. Zech. 4:6).
Solomon's Temple was truly glorious because in it was the presence of God (I Kin. 8:10-11). But the Temple, with all its glory, could not compare to Christ in us who is our glory. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (II Cor. 4:7).
Every child of God is more precious to our Heavenly Father than Solomon's Temple, since you are the Temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. . . . If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are. . . . And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's (I Cor. 3:16-17,23).
There is much noise and confusion in the world; but when we let Christ do His work in our hearts, we experience quietness, contentment, and sweet peace.
The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations . . . now is made manifest to His saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26-27).
Thought for Today:
Unfortunately, most "spiritual" fanfare only lifts up the one making the noise. The real excitement should be over what Jesus is doing, not over us.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple (I Kin. 6). Christ is the true Temple (John 2:21). Through Christ all may 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 happenings, no one to oppose; 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 Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Fred Upton (MI) • Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe • Major languages: Italian and German • Religious freedom • 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Boldly and confidently go to God in prayer through Jesus' Name (Eph. 3:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 24
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:13
