A House for God

“I have truly built You a princely house, a dwelling where You may abide forever.” 1 Kings 8:13

Was Solomon truly able to build God a princely house? I suspect that no matter how beautiful the Jerusalem temple was, it was still not fitting for the Ark of the Covenant. And perhaps that is why the Ark of the Covenant is nowhere to be found today, except perhaps in movies. 

Since the time of Solomon a great many amazing cathedrals, basilicas and churches have been built for God. There is the majestic Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Cologne Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres, Sagrada Familia, Santiago de Compostela, etc. But one wonders if God would not rather be pleased with a little thatched hut in a barrio if it was filled with worshippers singing beautiful songs raised in praise to Him. Many of the beautiful churches in Europe are full of tourists taking pictures. Not many people take the time to pray, or think about the God who gave the magnificent gifts to the architects, sculptors, painters, stonemasons who fashioned these beautiful buildings. 

The Ark of the Covenant contained the two stone tablets on which was inscribed the Ten Commandments given to Moses. This is the Word given by God to the Israelites when He made a covenant with them. He gave His Word to us as well and He wants to have a covenant relationship with each one of us. 

How much do we value God’s Word? Like Solomon, can we make a temple for God’s living and active Word by finding a place for it in our hearts and in our lives?