Read I Kings 7 and you’ll be amazed at the descriptions about the ancient Jerusalem temple built during King Solomon’s reign.
The incredible amount of effort and wealth that went into the project is SO impressive, particularly when one thinks of the engineering challenges that had to have accompanied the effort as described.
The intricacy of design and craftmanship is breathtaking.
And to think that much of the temple was plated in 24k gold truly boggles the mind.
Many Bible scholars project that the temple would cost hundreds of billions of dollars to produce today.
It’s quite a wake-up call for our souls when we consider that the temple was built for two basic reasons — to worship God and to pray for forgiveness of the people’s sins.
Simply stated, the temple was a tool for restoring the relationship between God and His children.
What an incredible investment (countless billions of dollars of gold were used).
What an incredible effort (200,000 men involved in the project at one point).
All because of God’s incredible love for man’s souls and the incredible grace He invested in restoration of lost souls.
The temple project really was amazing.
But then we read in Acts 7 some words from Stephen reminding us that no matter how amazing the temple was, it pales in comparison to the place of worship God wants to see built in each of our hearts.
“David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it.
“However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. ‘Could you build me such a resting place? Didn’t my hands make both heaven and earth?’” (Acts 7:46-50)
It’s true that God is honored when we join with other believers in a church building construction or remodeling project so that more people might more effectively and passionately worship God and seek His forgiving grace.
What’s vital to understand, though, is that God’s preferred place for being worshipped is in our hearts and minds.
When God reigns over the actions and attitudes of our hearts during the week when we’re at home or work or school or on the highway, He sees where His ranking in our lives REALLY is.
Please continue giving your time and your tithe to your congregation so that the building and programs can remain on solid footing.
But remember that God notices if our hearts are the temple He wants them to be.
If they are, His heart is blessed.
And that’s why we were created in the first place — to bless Him.
As always, I love you
Martin
