2 Chronicles 4-6, John 10:24-42 • Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

On top of Mount Moriah in Jerusalem today stands one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Dome of the Rock. Even when seen from the distance as one looks across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives, the glistening golden dome is a captivating sight. The building is a visual feast of mosaics and marble, a blending of circle and octagon with gold gilding. It is a Muslim holy site.

Somewhere on that mount stood the temple Solomon built. While the exact location is not known for certain, the general area is agreed upon. It is interesting to stand on the temple mount and reflect on the account found in these verses. There was a day when the glory of God so filled the temple that “the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud” (5:14).
God answered Solomon’s prayer. While we sometimes sing of God’s glory in our hymns and songs, Solomon and the people saw it displayed. The temple became the dwelling place of God’s glory.

Today the temple is gone. God’s glory has departed from there. But here’s the compelling thought: the Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:19). As believers in Jesus Christ, we are the dwelling place of His glory!

Solomon’s temple showcased the glory of God. It was a place of great beauty and magnificence. We may not: think of ourselve as being like that building, but we. are! And, just as then, our bodies also must showcase the glory of God.

_Is the glory of God evident in your life? As you look at how you live, think of what Solomon did, and determine to be a temple that brings glory to God_.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in