The Splendor of the Temple
From the description of the Temple of the LORD given in today's reading, I'd have to conclude that it was perhaps the most beautiful structure built at that time. The intricate designs, the walls and doors overlaid with gold and the symbolism of all of the furnishings leave me stunned at the artistry and creativity of God. In a world marred by sin, what better way to enter into human history than by providing a housing for the LORD such as this? But more important than the physical appearance of the temple was the purpose of it. Each day, sacrifices were to be provided for the forgiveness of Israel's sins. The temple presents a clear juxtaposition. On the one hand, the Israelites and especially priests would have approached the temple sensing God's majesty and holiness because of the shear magnificence and immaculate appearance of the temple itself. On the other hand, though God is so different from man in his holiness and splendor, his heart is not far from him; the temple was also a symbol of God's willingness to dwell with man through providing a means of continual atonement.
Some might say that we are at a disadvantage today because we don't have such a magnificent temple to remind us of these crucial aspects of God. If this is the case, then a quick reference to the book of Hebrews in the NT is in order. The author of Hebrews explains that the temple was a shadow of things to come (cf. Heb chpt. 9). In short, the coming of Christ signified a new era in which through his one sacrifice, man's sins would be forgiven once for all. Jesus even said of himself, that he supersedes the temple (Matt 12:6). More specifically, the body of Christ or the church (fellowship of believers) is referred to as the temple of the Holy Spirit and God's house (1 Cor 3:16-17, 1 Cor 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:21, 1 Pet 2:5). Even further, according to the book of Revelation, there are many references to a temple still which exists in heaven. But when the believers are finally consummated to God in his holy city, there will be no more need for a temple (Rev 21:22). These are all great mysteries which I will not even pretend to understand fully. One thing is that I hope that reading about the temple here and also surveying its connection to the NT writings will instill a sense of awe and wonder in our hearts. I hope that we will long to understand God's deep mysteries and someday behold his beauty, eagerly awaiting the complete fruition of his plan for creation. I pray that this meditation on the concept of the temple will give us one more source of inspiration and encouragement to seek God with our entire being until the return of Christ.
From the description of the Temple of the LORD given in today's reading, I'd have to conclude that it was perhaps the most beautiful structure built at that time. The intricate designs, the walls and doors overlaid with gold and the symbolism of all of the furnishings leave me stunned at the artistry and creativity of God. In a world marred by sin, what better way to enter into human history than by providing a housing for the LORD such as this? But more important than the physical appearance of the temple was the purpose of it. Each day, sacrifices were to be provided for the forgiveness of Israel's sins. The temple presents a clear juxtaposition. On the one hand, the Israelites and especially priests would have approached the temple sensing God's majesty and holiness because of the shear magnificence and immaculate appearance of the temple itself. On the other hand, though God is so different from man in his holiness and splendor, his heart is not far from him; the temple was also a symbol of God's willingness to dwell with man through providing a means of continual atonement.
Some might say that we are at a disadvantage today because we don't have such a magnificent temple to remind us of these crucial aspects of God. If this is the case, then a quick reference to the book of Hebrews in the NT is in order. The author of Hebrews explains that the temple was a shadow of things to come (cf. Heb chpt. 9). In short, the coming of Christ signified a new era in which through his one sacrifice, man's sins would be forgiven once for all. Jesus even said of himself, that he supersedes the temple (Matt 12:6). More specifically, the body of Christ or the church (fellowship of believers) is referred to as the temple of the Holy Spirit and God's house (1 Cor 3:16-17, 1 Cor 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:21, 1 Pet 2:5). Even further, according to the book of Revelation, there are many references to a temple still which exists in heaven. But when the believers are finally consummated to God in his holy city, there will be no more need for a temple (Rev 21:22). These are all great mysteries which I will not even pretend to understand fully. One thing is that I hope that reading about the temple here and also surveying its connection to the NT writings will instill a sense of awe and wonder in our hearts. I hope that we will long to understand God's deep mysteries and someday behold his beauty, eagerly awaiting the complete fruition of his plan for creation. I pray that this meditation on the concept of the temple will give us one more source of inspiration and encouragement to seek God with our entire being until the return of Christ.
I have never been to Rome but some of my family has. When they came back from their trip they were mezmorized. They went to St. Peter's Square where two grown men need to wrap their hands together to reach around the columns. The Cathedrals there are oversized. Some can fit up to 60,000 people, there are museums where it would take over a year to see every painting if you spent 10 min on one painting. The cathedrals and churches and museums are just magnificent, you must go there because on camera you do not get the same expierence.
ReplyDeleteWhat is more remarkable is how people who have never been to Rome can have stronger faith than those who live there. As an engineer I have to say that those cathedrals are just wood and stone, but it is what goes on inside that is remarkable and the same thing happens in a remote little church in the middle of nowhere. God's presence is the most magnificent and we do not need lavish churches to see it, we need lavish hearts adorned with good deeds and true love.