1st July 2024
Temple builders
This is the fourteenth in a series of studies on the subject of prayer
…in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 (NKJV)
Temple language is a continuous thread running through both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus made two startling temple-based prophecies; the fulfilment of the first was instrumental in allowing for the fulfilment of the second. In John 2:19, speaking to the Jews who had questioned who he was and what his authority was, standing in the Temple, he predicted his own death and resurrection, comparing himself to the Temple. He had just driven out those defiling his Father’s house by their corrupt businesses. Later, and again while at the Temple with his disciples, he predicted the destruction of the building they were admiring, (Luke 21:5-6) a building that would have little purpose with he himself offering the final and complete sacrifice.
There were various manifestations of the Temple beginning with the Tabernacle, constructed in the wilderness on route to the Promised Land; the Temple built by Solomon; its rebuilding led by Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah, and ending with this Temple being further developed by Herod. It was destroyed by Roman armies in AD70.
Throughout biblical history, there have been places where heavenly and earthly realms intersect, the Temple being the most obvious. Completion and dedication of the Tabernacle, Solomon’s Temple, and the rebuild under Ezra and Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, were all accompanied by countless sacrifices and powerful statements from God, underlining his acceptance of the offerings, and these places as a meeting point between himself and his people.
God made a similarly powerful statement of approval at Christ’s baptism – there was no altar, animal sacrifices, or enveloping smoke, but a voice from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). After Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice and resurrection the Apostle Paul adopts temple language to explain to converts what they were part of. In Ephesians 2:17-21 the body of Christ is described as being the walls of a temple, ‘…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord…’.
In 1 Peter 2:4-8, the Apostle develops the Temple analogy, reminding people of Isaiah’s prophecy that describes Christ as a precious “cornerstone”. (Isaiah 28:16) And Christians are described as ‘living stones’ that together create a ‘spiritual house’ where sacrifices approved by God can be made. David explains that the sacrifices God desires are not burnt offerings but a ‘broken and a contrite heart’ (Psalm 51:17). We reject our sinful past and offer ourselves in whatever way God may want to work with us.
Prayer
Living Lord, guide us in fulfilling your will, that we may proclaim your praises, who called us out of darkness onto your ‘marvellous light’. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Maggie Mitchell
About the writer:
Maggie Mitchell attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church