Our scripture today is 1 Kings 6:1 (ESV).
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord.
The building of the temple is a huge event during Solomon’s reign. It is the center of worship, mimicking the design of the tabernacle where they worshiped in the desert. It is an essential part of their identity, not just religious but social and cultural. While this centering of their lives around the temple may seem faithful, it can also become a source of pride. This temple will be destroyed by the Babylonian invasion later. Jesus warned His followers regarding the second temple during His time “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). We are each intended to be a living temple for the Lord.
Heavenly Father, help us to make a place for You in our lives and hearts. Send us to share the Good News with all your children. Amen.
