Read 1 Kings 5
Highlights:
Solomon's Temple built; furnishings of the Temple.
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel . . . he began to build the House of the Lord. . . . And in the eleventh year . . . was the House finished (I Kin. 6:1,38).
The erection of the Temple was a noiseless work. There was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the House, while it was in building (6:7). The material was prepared in Lebanon and erected in Jerusalem. There was noise in Lebanon, but in Jerusalem there was quiet and peace.
This silence was designed by God to convey the unnoticed, secret manner in which God works to perfect the Christian's life. There is much noise and confusion in the world; but when we let Christ do His work in our hearts, we experience quiet and sweet peace. Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means (II Thess. 3:16).
No other building in all the world compared with Solomon's Temple. The fame of Solomon's Temple was not due to its size, but to its remarkable workmanship and its costly materials. The most costly materials and treasures were lavished upon it. It is symbolic of the Christian who is more precious to the Heavenly Father than all earth's treasures. We have this treasure (Christ) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (II Cor. 4:7).
But the world only observed the external beauty of the Temple; its true glory was inside. The Shekinah glory — the presence of God — dwelled within the Holy of Holies. The world could only hear about this glory, but they could never experience it.
This is also true of the Christian, who is the temple of God. The glory of God dwells in each believer. The miracle of the new birth and the indwelling Holy Spirit is what makes the difference between the Christian and the unsaved, who in their unbelief cannot share in His glory.
The glory of God is the satisfaction and the life of those who know Him. He desires to bestow His precious gifts of love, joy, peace, and gentleness to every believer.
The presence of God is experienced by those who honor Him. Just think! As the popular song says, "He is big enough to rule His mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart." Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone . . . In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:20-22).
Thought for Today:
Christ is the great Victor who lives in our hearts, and we must willingly cooperate with Him.
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 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 in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Jennifer Palafox • Government Official: Rep. Fred Upton (MI) • Country: Brazil (168 million) in South America • Major languages: Portuguese and Spanish • Religious freedom • 67% Catholic; 21% Protestant; 4% spiritist; .7% Buddhist; .7% Muslim; .15% Indigenous; 2.4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Offer your gift of praise to God in prayer (I Pet. 2:5).
Optional Reading: Acts 24
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:33