FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
September 16
THE SANCTUARY DICTRInE EXPLAINS THE WAY OF SALVATION OF THE GOSPEL (Part 5)
Solomon’s Temple. “And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered unto the king by course [or orders], and the captains of the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and all the sons, with the mighty officers, with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.” 1 Chron. 28: 1, KJV.
For what compelling reason did king David summon a gathering of such an august body of Israel’s leaders “great and small?”
“Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren. and my people: as for me, I had in mind heart to BUILD AN HOUSE OF REST FOR THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OF THE LORD, and for the FOOTSTOOL of our God, and had MADE READY for the building.” Verse 2.
Now, what did God, who centuries earlier commanded Moses, “Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” say to David about his high and holy desire expressed in words and backed by deeds (faith without works is dead) having made all the previous preparations for the building?
“But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for My name, because thou hast been a MAN OF WAR, and has SHED BLOOD.” v 3
“Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father [Jesse] to be over Israel for ever: for He hath chosen Judah to be the ruler…..” v 4
“And He said unto me, SOLOMON thy son, he shall BUILD MY HOUSE and My courts: for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.” v 6
“Moreover, i will establish his kingdom forever, IF he be constant to DO MY COMMANDMENTS and My judgments, as at this day.” v 7. (Read verses 8, 9).
“Take heed now, for the Lord hath CHOSEN THEE TO BUILD AN HOUSE FOR THE SANCTUARY: BE STRONG AND DO IT.” v 10.
“Then David GAVE go Solomon his son the PATTERNS….. verses 13-18. “All this said David, the Lord made me understand IN WRITING BY HIS HAND UPON ME, EVEN ALL THE WORKS OF THIS PATTERN.” Only then follow these familiar words of promise:
“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and DO IT: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, UNTIL THOU HAST FINISHED ALL THE WORK FOR THE SERVICE OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.” v 20 (read rest of chapters 28 and 29).
Note the following vital points regarding the “building of the Temple” or “House of God.”
1) it could not be built by “men of war” and/or “bloody hands,” not even by men of heroic valor and splendid military exploits, like David. They have to be “men of peace,” like Solomon. Are we war-like, warmongers, hawkish, hot-tempered, volatile, vindictive, and prone to violent outbursts? If we are, and refuse to be transformed by the renewing grace of God, we disqualify ourselves would be eliminated from the high and holy privilege of helping “build and finish the spiritual temple of the living God!
(To be continued). Bless all, NMF.