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A house unlike any other
Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” 1 Kings 6:12-13
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).
The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. 2 Chronicles 2:5