Of First Importance: A Holy Week DevotionalSample

God’s Glorious Presence: The Temple

READ

Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Samuel 7:1–3

Additional Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4–13; 2 Chronicles 7:1–3; Ezekiel 10; Acts 7:44–50

REFLECT

Over the years, the Israelites worshiped God in the tabernacle, which was a big tent. King David, living in a beautiful house, had the burden of building a better house for God to dwell. David wanted to build Him a temple, even if He did not ask for it. He envisioned the temple as a permanent dwelling place of God’s presence. Even though God responded positively to David’s desire by allowing his son Solomon to build the temple, this was not the permanent dwelling place where God planned to dwell with His people.

God gave specific instructions for constructing the building and making all its furnishings. When Solomon completed it, the entire nation of Israel saw how majestic God’s presence was in the temple. Everyone hoped that the presence of God would dwell permanently in the temple Solomon built.

Despite this desire, their sinfulness still crept in, and they defiled God’s holy temple. His dwelling place had become a place of idolatry. Even if they had access to God’s presence, they still turned away from Him and looked to idols. Because of what they had done, God gave Ezekiel a vision of His holy presence departing from the temple.

God’s presence eventually departed the temple, and the temple was destroyed.

Despite all this, God’s love and mercy are evident. He promised to return to His people and dwell with them forever:

. . . and he said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoring and by the dead bodies of their kings at their high places . . .” Ezekiel 43:7

God has a greater plan for the salvation and redemption of His people—even though we all do not deserve it. God desires to dwell with us forever, not in a tabernacle or temple made by human hands, but in our hearts. This plan was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Because of His perfect sacrifice, we can now choose to respond to Him and experience God’s holy presence every day.

RESPOND

• Are there things that preoccupy you or bring you away from God? What do you think you should do about these? How can you respond in repentance rather than rebellion?
• Recall a time when you thought you could not feel God’s presence. Pray that even when you do not feel His presence, you will be reminded of His ongoing presence in your life. Read John 14:16–17 and thank God for being with you forever and never leaving you.
• Is there a relative or friend you think needs to hear about God’s desire to dwell with us? How can you encourage him or her to receive God’s mercy and grace today? Ask God for boldness and compassion as you proclaim His word.