The question is not fair because the Second Jerusalem Temple no longer exists. Since the Temple does not physically exist, people must think up some ways to make its existence meaningful. Otherwise, many religions will suffer. Nowadays, the idea of the Temple has been generalized to mean the hearts of the believers. God dwelt in the first two Jerusalem Temples. Nowadays, He dwells in the hearts of Christians, Jews and Muslims under different names (in alphabetical order. The name of God is another issue as demonstrated in Malaysia recently).
The Ark of Covenant was officially moved into the Temple built by Solomon in the reading today. The dream of David and the promise of God finally came true today (1 Kings 8:1-13). He took seven years to build this Temple (1 Kings 6:38). His own palace, Solomon took thirteen years to build (1 Kings 7:1). Was God satisfied with this Temple? Of course not. How can we build a house for God? Some years later, Isaiah wrote the following verse.
Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house which you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?"(Isaiah 66:1)
Therefore, the Jerusalem Temple did not serve God, but man's political ambition. Solomon understood it well. Therefore, when the Temple was shrouded in think cloud (1 Kings 8:11-12), Solomon made the following statement.
Then Solomon said, "The LORD has set the sun in the heavens, but has said that he would dwell in thick darkness." (1 Kings 8:12)
God prefers remaining elusive. He would dwell in thick darkness. In the end, God is unknowable unless He reveals Himself. We should remain humble because however hard we try to understand God, He remains beyond our reach. Only a lucky few have been able to contemplate God, to stay enveloped in His presence. Let us put down our rationality to feel His pleasant presence.
Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house which you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?"(Isaiah 66:1)
Therefore, the Jerusalem Temple did not serve God, but man's political ambition. Solomon understood it well. Therefore, when the Temple was shrouded in think cloud (1 Kings 8:11-12), Solomon made the following statement.
Then Solomon said, "The LORD has set the sun in the heavens, but has said that he would dwell in thick darkness." (1 Kings 8:12)
God prefers remaining elusive. He would dwell in thick darkness. In the end, God is unknowable unless He reveals Himself. We should remain humble because however hard we try to understand God, He remains beyond our reach. Only a lucky few have been able to contemplate God, to stay enveloped in His presence. Let us put down our rationality to feel His pleasant presence.
In the dark recesses of our hearts, God beckons. Darkness is terrifying. We feel swallowed. But shall we be afraid of darkness? No need. We may meet God in darkness. He knows that we need the security of light. God will shine forth in darkness to console us. Be patient. Wait.
Dear Lord, Your glory fills heavens and earth. Allow us to cheer and exclaim with the Seraphim קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (Isaiah 6:3). Amen.
Comment by andrea0blue:
This is the first blog I see from your xanga. It's very intersting lo. (I only read the first 4 lines...)
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