The Essential JesusSample

The New Temple

PRAY: Lord God, I worship you today. Help me to sense your presence as I read your Word and pray.

READ: 1 Kings 8:1-21

REFLECT: The people of Israel had finally made it. With their captivity in Egypt a distant memory, they now had their own land and their king. Only one thing was missing: they didn't have a fitting place to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That's what makes this passage significant; it describes the "ribbon-cutting ceremony" for a magnificent new temple King Solomon built in Jerusalem.

The building was impressive in its architecture (1 Kings 6:1-38) and filled with extravagant furnishings (1 Kings 7:13-51). Its true significance is what would happen there: God's glory would be present (1 Kings 8:10-13). How mind-boggling that the Creator of the universe would be willing to take such a step! That reveals something important about God: he wants to meet with his people.

Over the years, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt, and by the time of Jesus, it stood at the center of Israel's religious, political, and cultural identity. It had also become commercialized and out of touch with its original purpose, more like a strip mall than a place of worship.

It's no wonder that Jesus angrily cleaned house in the temple John 2:12-17) or that the religious leaders demanded proof of his authority. The real issue was that he wanted everyone to know that this important Old Testament building had been pointing to him all along. "Destroy this temple," Jesus said, "and I will raise it again in three days" John 2:19). Neither his opponents nor his disciples understood. Jesus meant that as a result of his death and resurrection, he would replace Solomon's temple. After that, meeting God would no longer be for the high priest behind a thick curtain (Matthew 27:51). It would be available to everyone who believes and follows Jesus.

APPLY: How could your church become more like a place to meet God and less like a shopping mall? When do you feel God's presence the most?

PRAY: Dear God, I'm hungry for a deeper experience with you. I focus my mind and heart on how awesome and loving you are.