God inspired King David to provide the location, pattern, and raw materials for a house dedicated to His name (1 Chr 22:1,5, 1 Chr 28:11-13). However, God directed him not to build it, telling him that it was Solomon, his son’s, responsibility (I Ki 6:10-14, I Chr 22:5-7, 1 Chr 28:6). The house had only one purpose – to show that our Lord is the great and the only true God who is exceedingly magnificent (1 Chr 22:5, 2 Chr 2:5).

The building had many distinctive features (1 Chr 28:11-13) that remind us about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  For example, the inner sanctuary was overlaid in gold (1 Kin 6:20) reminding us that our Lord Jesus Christ is God.  Various types of wood characterised furniture and doors (1 Ki 6:20,33-34) reminding us that our Lord was also human (1 Tim 3:16). The outside of it was made of a special stone hewn out of a mountain reminding us he is the chief cornerstone (1 Pet 2:6). At the building’s entrance were two altars that were constantly in use reminding us that the work of Christ was complete and is forever (1 Tim 2:5,6).  Notably, it is also where God would dwell if they (the Israelites) remained faithful to him (1Ki 6:12-13).

Today, no such building exists. Instead, we (Christians) are blessed to know that he dwells in us (Rom 8:9, 1 Jo 4:12, Gal 2:20). Further when, as congregations, we assemble in God’s name, our Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst (Mat 18:20). This reflects the fact that each assembly is God’s temple (1 Cor 3:16) and household (1 Tim 3:15).  We therefore, as congregations (assemblies of God’s people), have the same blessed privilege – to spread the glory and fame (1 Chr 22:5) of the only true God who is great and awesome (Neh 1:5).