Dedicate His Temple

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 that "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. It 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 said that
this was to be a place to honor God forevermore!

2 Chronicles 5:13-14
"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."

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. He now resides in the heart of every believer.

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.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
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Lorena, TX 76655
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