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It’s way too easy to get hung up in all of the descriptions
of what was inside the Temple. I
remember in St. Petersburg, Russia walking into a very Russian-looking church
with beautiful multi-colored onion domes on top. But inside there was no place for us to sit and worship and listen to God’s word. Worshipers simply came in, lit a candle,
silently said a prayer, and left.
Most Israelites would never see the inside of the Temple Solomon had built. Priests would be performing functions inside,
but the worship would mainly be taking place outside. The most important event
related to the Temple during this dedication occurred after the Ark of the
Covenant was placed within the Holy of Holies.
The glory of God came and filled
the house of the Lord to such an extent that the priests had to stop working!
Their hearts must have been overjoyed, for the people’s sins
had caused His glory to depart from
the tabernacle (1 Samuel 4:19-22). “But the nation would sin again and be taken
to Babylon, and there Ezekiel the prophet would have a vision of the glory of
God leaving the Temple,” my
commentary said. “The glory came to
earth in the person of Jesus Christ, but sinners crucified the Lord of
glory. When Jesus returned to heaven,
the cloud of glory accompanied Him and the temple was left desolate.”
Great beginnings never insure great finishes. It’s the stick-to-it-iveness
that really matters. Solomon didn’t have
it, and the people he ruled didn’t either.
With all the dedication ceremonies taking place, I wonder if our all-knowing
God felt it was tedious?
Father, I’m amazed at Your love for us despite the fact that You already know the sins we’ll still
commit! I’m so thankful that You are
infinitely more patient and loving than I am.
Otherwise, my outlook would not include the wonderful hope I have in
You. Your love dispels futility and
frustration. Thank You for loving us and
giving us hope!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
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