Read 2 Chronicles 1
Highlights:
Solomon’s sacrifices; his dream; his accumulation of chariots and horsemen; Solomon builds the Temple
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel (2 Chr. 2:4).
There is much in this month's readings about the construction of the Temple of the Lord. There is everything from what led to the building, to how it would be built, to the materials to be used in it. There are even scriptures following the construction which concern matters that speak of the worship there.
We have already discussed many of these details this month. We have discussed David's preparation by gathering materials. We have discussed Solomon being the one to build the Temple.
Upon examining 2 Chr. 2:4, it reveals itself to be very life applicable. There is an understanding that this verse is speaking of the actual physical Temple of God. The relationship that God has with His people today is very different than in those times. The Spirit of God dwells in a different Temple today. Jesus was telling this to those who were listening.Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19). Of course, Jesus was speaking of Himself.
In a different set of scripture, the Word of God would reveal that the Spirit of God would come to live in the individual believer. What? Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Cor. 6:19). We, ourselves, are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost. Our interaction with God is no longer external since God the Holy Spirit dwells internally.
This verse contains elements that can still pertain to the Temple today. That temple being us. Our lives should be built for the name of the Lord. They are to honor Him. Furthermore, we should be dedicated to God and to the task He calls us to do. Our very existence should be as a sweet smell to God as we give our lives as an offering for Him. This is His covenant with us forever. As you can see, from these verses the Lord intends for us to not only apply His Words in a verbal manner but also in a spiritual context to our individual lives.
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual (1 Cor. 15:46).
Thought for Today:
The desire for material gain always pulls us away from God’s will for our lives. Many gifted people forsake the Lord to satisfy their own greed.
Christ Revealed:
By the thousand burnt offerings of Solomon (2 Chr. 1:6). We can be thankful that the one perfect offering of Christ on the cross did away with the need for many and continual individual offerings. He died unto sin once (for all) (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 10:10-12,14).
Word Studies:
2:2 told out, assigned; 2:7 cunning, skilled; can skill to grave, has skill to engrave; 2:14 find out every device, execute any design; 2:16 floats, rafts; 3:1 affinity, alliance by marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; 3:5 cieled, paneled; 3:10 of image work, fashioned by carving; 3:16 oracle, Holy of Holies.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask God to show you His ways (Ex. 33:13).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41