The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, that God commanded and guided Moses to build, had everything the people of Israel needed to relate to God. It was in the center of the camp, and God's presence was visible to everyone. God spoke to His people personally through Moses. Since the Tabernacle was built on tents, it was eventually converted into a magnificent Temple during Solomon's reign as King over the nation of Israel. King David wanted to build the temple of God, but since he had much blood in his hands from fighting his enemies, God chose his son, Solomon, to build the temple (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 22). After Solomon built the temple, the contents of the Tabernacle were transferred into the temple, but most important of all, the presence of God dwelt in the temple (see Solomon's temple). However, God said this to Solomon during the dedication of the temple, "But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make it an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations (2 Chronicles 7:19-21)."
The people of Israel eventually rebelled against God by serving and worshiping the gods in the land. God sent prophets to His people, Israel, to warn them about the judgment of God for their rebellion, but they disregarded God. As a result, God used the Babylonian empire to completely destroy the city and temple of God in 586 BC. God fulfilled what He told Solomon that if the Israelites forsook Him, He would abandon the temple and let it be destroyed. God's temple was only useful when the Israelites worshiped God. The temple is about the relationship between God and His people, and it is not about the magnificent building. God is more concerned about the relationship than material building. Similarly, our relationship with God is more important than the place where we worship God. It is sad when church leaders prioritize church building over the relationship between God and people.
God wants us to stay in our relationship with Him. The church building is a place for us to gather together to worship Him, but God lives in the hearts of His people and not in buildings.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did God allow the temple to be destroyed? What is more important to God: the place of worship (church building) or my relationship with Him? What is God showing me in this daily devotion?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, my relationship with you is more important to you than anything. Please help me prioritize my relationship with everything that I do today. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Comentarios