S) "3 'Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison? 4 But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the LORD of hosts."
Haggai 2:3-4 (NASB)
O) It seems reasonable to think that there would have been some romanticizing of the glory days, of Solomon's temple in its splendor (even though, as you read through both Kings books, and Chronicles, it is apparent that much of the adornment that was stripped away over the years, was never replaced). Still, these men were starting a new foundation from quite humbling means. God does go on from this verse, to describe what would be blessings of a more financial nature (mention of silver and gold, for example), but even from just these two verses, we see a glimpse of the greatest blessing. The whole point of the temple, was to have a meeting place, where God would dwell. He promised this generation the same thing He promised to David for his son. If the people would build Him a house, and would be faithful to Him, then He would abide with them. The splendor of the house does not matter. It's not how the house is made, but who lives in the house.
A) Every aspect of temple worship changed with the New Testament. We now know that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, both as individuals with the indwelling Holy Spirit, but also as the church, as the body of Christ. So, the real consideration then, is how I am doing as a dwelling place for the LORD How is the church doing, and how have I been doing. When I consider what would make me an inferior house, it is sin that comes to mind. But, because of the gospel, in repentance there is forgiveness of sins. Even still, it is easy for me to look at my temple, and realize there is obvious lack. This says nothing of my physical wellbeing. So, like Zerubbabel and Joshua, I need to remember the reason I am a temple. God dwells within me, not because He's homeless, but because I am. He's within me because I can't go to His heavenly home. As long as that purpose is fulfilled, that communion, then no weight gain, no sinful stumbling, no illness, no temptation, no wrinkles, will ever make the difference. Living a flawless life, inside and out, doesn't mean that more of God lives within me. None of that is to say that I want my house, our house, to go to pot. On the contrary, because I love my Lord so much, my heart's desire is to give Him a beautiful, pleasing home. There are lots of things I regret, but dwelling on regrets is not honoring God dwelling within me.
P) Father, it is humbling to remember that You dwell within me. You are holy, and I am struggling to keep myself holy for You. But, realizing Your grace, that You choose to commune with imperfect people like me, is a revelation of Your love. I want to have a righteous life to honor Your name. I want to remain righteous, to walk in the righteousness I have in Christ, so You might be more pleased to dwell within me. Help me focus on how I may honor You in obedience, instead of obsessing about the ways I have trashed Your house. Make my heart Your home, and clean it how You see fit. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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