The Old Testament adds wonderful richness to our faith. In the very first verse of the Bible we read "God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1. By reflecting on this wonderful truth, we can better understand the words of Jesus; "with God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26. Throughout the Old Testament we see God use common people to accomplish His plan and point the way to Christ. We also learn to appreciate the purpose of a life of absolute reverence for God.
After the Israelites were led out of Egypt, God gave instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle. This was to be the central place of worship and where the presence of God would reside. The Tabernacle was made of cloth, animal skins, and poles so it could be easily moved.
After several hundred years, the people of Israel settled into the promised land and God gave King David the vision for a permanent Temple to replace the mobile Tabernacle. David made plans and collected material, but God waited for Solomon to become king before construction began.
It took Solomon seven years to construct the Temple using over 150,000 workers 2 Chronicles 2:1-2. When the Temple was complete, the dedication began. Sacrifices were made to honor and worship God; music was played and songs were sung "to give praise and thanks to the Lord" 2 Chronicles 5:13. The grand dedication indicated this was to be a place to honor God forevermore!
"Then the Temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of God."2 Chronicles 5:13-14
The purpose of the Temple was to lead the children of Israel to a closer relationship with God through an understanding of sin, sacrifice, forgiveness, and worship. It was also designed to lead them toward Jesus and provide us with an understanding of who we are in Christ.
One thousand years after the Temple was dedicated, Jesus died on the cross and we entered into a new covenant, with a new Temple; "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's Temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. When we enter into a covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, we become the Temple of God.
The Old Testament shows us the great honor and responsibility of being God's Temple. He resides in us and we must be so filled with the glory of the Lord that we no longer perform "our" service but glorify His name in all we do. Let's set aside the entirety of our life as a holy place of worship...forevermore! Let's give praise and thanks to the Lord and begin today to dedicate His Temple
- steve troxel
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