“As for this temple that you are building…”
Places of worship have been established throughout human history. Jacob set up a place, a rock, to commemorate the Presence which he stumbled upon. Abraham committed a high place in the mountainous range of Moriah to offer God a unique sacrifice for worship. Moses constructed a movable tent to exercise sacrifices throughout his time in the wilderness. All of these held the intent of the worshiper in response to the One True God of Israel. These were places of purpose and intentionality. They were reflections of the human effort toward the Creator.
However, none compared to the temple which Solomon built. The acacia wood, overlaid with gold and precisions of design were unmatched among all other places of worship. Each area of interest held an uncommon splendor. What was in David’s heart to build, became the reality in Solomon’s hand. Even during the final construction, not the sound of a hammer was heard as the Temple was put in place.
Though the Lord gave approval, He was not impressed with its elements and composition. In fact, God’s affirmation was contingent upon the ongoing deeds of those who built, occupied, and gathered around the Temple. God said, 1 Ki 6:12 Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: 1 Ki 6:13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. Thus, Solomon’s Temple was only as valuable as the level of obedience among those who came for worship. Ultimately, the worth of the sanctuary was made sure by the “dwelling” of God.
Today, we dedicate The Sanctuary of New Life Fellowship to the work of the Kingdom. As it was with Solomon’s Temple, the worth of this sanctuary hinges on our obedience to His Word and His dwelling among us. This place has no value without the Lord.
So let this be a House of Prayer. Let prayer be made within the walls of every room. Let us continue in the Apostolic doctrine with baptisms of water and the Spirit. It is our heritage. We must embrace the truth of God’s Holy Word. In the sanctuary we will continue the ministries of reconciliation and restoration. Prodigals will find their place yet once again. The lost will be found. The hopeless will find hope and the wanderer will finally be home. In the sanctuary, our own lives will be changed as we strive to know the King and fulfill the work of His Kingdom.