Today you should read: 2 Chronicles 8
We see in this chapter that Solomon had successfully and obediently built the temple that had been set before him to complete. Remember that this was vastly important because the temple was to be the dwelling place of the presence of God. When we think about this today, we probably do not appreciate the significance of this like we should. When Jesus died on the cross, there was a curtain that literally tore within the holy of holies, the most inner part of the temple, signifying that the dividing line between us and God had been demolished through Christ. Believers now have access to the Holy Spirit, and the Bible says that our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
But this does not take away the significance of the temple for the people of Israel at this time. Here is a rendering of what the temple could have looked like:
Our chapter today is talking about the accomplishments of Solomon. The ESV Study Bible says, “The success of Solomon’s various building projects are seen as blessings that follow his obedience in building the temple.” Obedience should never be done because of what God can give us. Our obedience before God should be from an overflow of thankfulness for what Jesus has done for us in the gospel. But the reality is, that as Tim often says, things work better when you do them God’s way. What area of your life do you need to submit to God in obedience this week?
By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate
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