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June 11th
Our Bible reading in Scripture today is in 1 Kings 5,6 and 2 Chronicles 2,3. It’s all about the preparations and the building of Solomon’s Temple.
David had a desire to build such a testament to the glory of God, but God had another plan. David ‘s son Solomon was God’s choice to build a house for His name. And that was exactly what Solomon called the Temple...” the House for God’s name!”
All the other world religions of that day built temples, but they called such temples the place where their God resided. Solomon knew better. Yahweh could not be contained in the earth’s universe and the million others, much less a stone house on this planet. So, this house would be a testament for God’s Name! And His name is Wonderful. His name is El Shaddai. God Almighty, the One who does what He purposes to do. No matter what. Some interpret it the “Conquerer” of every obstacle that man could invent. Nothing thwarts the purposes of El Shaddai.
Some others translate Shaddai as the “sufficient One”. The Almighty is sufficient for every need. The El Shaddai is enough for us no matter what comes.
And still, others have translated Shaddai as “the Mountain”. Power and provision from Egypt to Mt Sinai to the Promised Land.
I can see in my mind’s eye a grandfather, in Jerusalem, with several young grandchildren, sitting at the base of the Temple Mount looking up at the majestic Temple built by Solomon. The House whose glory spoke to the wonderful name and eternal being of God. Does God live in that house, granddad? No child. God dwells above the heavens. But every year on the Day of Atonement He comes to the House and meets the High Priest inside the Holy of Holies, between the golden angels upon the mercy seat which covers the ark of the covenant. There He accepts the blood of the sacrifice on behalf of Jacob’s children. The sacrifice was sufficient for atonement...for forgiveness...for another year.
Grandfather, what does the temple say to you? Our God, El Shaddai, the sufficient supplier, is enough for us, whatever our need, for our bodies when we are sick and our souls when we are sad. We can trust Him “with everything” that is going on in and around us. We can count on Him to “fulfill His good purposes” for us, for our benefit and for His honor and glory.
Granddad, what else does the house on the mountain tell us about God? He loves us darlin. He calls us His treasured ones. His children of promise. And one day He will send the Messiah to save His people from their sins once and for all...once and forever.
Friends in Christ, we are that temple. We are the house. Not only bearing witness to the Messiah Jesus’ Name. And when children ask their parents about us, they will say...they are the house of God Himself 24-7. Speaking of the good news of Jesus and His love, the cross the resurrection and his coming again.
Have a great day
