Wed.’s Devo - The Temple

Read: 1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33
The Temple was constructed to be a replica of the Garden of Eden and heaven so you see the pomegranates, flowers, angels, wood and things you would see in a garden. Solomon had several buildings built and one of them was the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Another was the Hall of Pillars which probably represented the pillars of the faith. His throne room was called the Hall of Justice where he handled legal matters. God’s throne is where he sits to do the same. We are told to come boldly before his throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace at a time that we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
The Sea was a huge bowl of water where the priest would wash themselves before and after sacrificing. Huge water carts were stationed at the entrances for the people to wash. It was a type of baptism, just as walking through the Red Sea was a type of baptism (Hebrews 11:29). There is a sea of glass before the Throne of God in heaven: “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne…” Revelation 4:6.
In Acts, Stephen was still giving his defense to the Sanhedrin. In his recounting of their history, you will see that every deliverer that God sent them was rejected by them at first. Moses, the one who was to deliver them from oppression and bondage was rejected by his people. But God used him anyway. Joshua led them into their promised land and David became their first king. But it was Solomon who built the Temple even though God doesn’t dwell in buildings. God is all-consuming and his throne is in Heaven and earth is his footstool.
The Sanhedrin was quiet until tomorrow’s reading.
Lord, thank you that your Word is the truth and our standing in this world is fickle and unsure, but our standing with you is solid, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.