The Temple: A Study in 2 ChroniclesSample

What does it say?

Solomon began to build the temple in the fourth year of his reign. The precise details give a glimpse of the temple’s magnificence.

What does it mean?

The temple site was Mount Moriah. This is the very place where God provided a ram when He tested Abraham’s faith by telling him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It was also the site of David’s sacrifice when God judged his disobedience. God knew the past and future significance of the location He chose for His dwelling place. It was also here, outside the walls of Jerusalem, that Jesus was crucified. Thousands participated in the building of Israel’s place of worship – not aware of God’s future plan to pour out His grace and mercy through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

How should I respond?

The temple, like so many things in the Old Testament, was a shadow that pointed to a greater reality. Year after year, sacrifice after sacrifice - all would provide faint glimpses of a plan God was working from before the foundation of the earth was laid. Today, we do not need to gather at Jerusalem's temple to worship for all God's people are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to bring lambs or bulls or goats for sacrifice because Jesus was the greater and final sacrifice - offering atonement and forgiveness for all of God's people. As you read about the temple today, remember that these are all beautiful, but faint pictures of the greater reality we have through Jesus Christ. As the temple of the Holy Spirit, how will you worship and work differently today?