Walking in the Valley A bi-weekly column, featuring one Silicon Valley Christian's (a)musings on life's journey by Barbara Dahlgren

God's Temple Column for the weeks of August 16-September 15, 2009

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For around four hundred years the beauty and splendor of Solomon’s Temple was renowned.  For construction Solomon used thousands of skilled craftsmen, laborers and artisans, and only the finest, expensive materials – cedar beams, cypress planks, hewn stone, olive wood doors, gold chains, carvings of winged cherubim and enough gold overlay to rival Fort Knox.  This house for the Lord was truly a sight to behold.  Nothing could compare.  

Also known as the First Temple, it was the first Jewish/Israelite temple in Jerusalem and the religious focal point for worship and sacrifices.  So popular was Solomon’s Temple that it was instrumental in Jerusalem becoming the capital of the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah for two generations and became the place for religious pilgrimage.

Tragically it was destroyed by fire when the Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar invaded, sacked Jerusalem, and sent the inhabitants into exile in 586 BC. The destruction of this temple became a symbol of lost grandeur.

When King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon in 536 BC these exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their city and temple. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the appointed governor, construction on a second temple began. It was not an easy task. Not only were they rebuilding the temple, they were rebuilding a city and it was difficult keeping spirits high in the midst of such devastation. With all the delays and setbacks, seventeen years had passed and they had little more than a foundation – just a small beginning.

Some were lamenting that this new temple would never be as impressive as the first. It would only be a modest version of the original and not nearly as plush or grand. Old timers were saying, “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” (Haggai 2:3)

Amidst discouragement about the project God told his prophets to let Zerubbabel know the temple would be completed through him. “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel…” (Zechariah 4:10) It might have been a small beginning, but God would see it through. And although the Second Temple might not be a grand as the first, its glory would be greater. “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…” (Haggai 2:9)

Some wondered how that could be. They didn’t know that one day Jesus would actually walk in it. For this Second Temple was standing during Jesus’ ministry. (Luke 2:46; John 2:13-17) His presence would make it glorious.

God’s presence is what makes a temple glorious. It is not the large building, the expensive craftsmanship, the latest technology, the fine acoustics, the fifty-piece orchestra, the hundred-fold choir, or the scores of people who come. A temple is a building dedicated for religious ceremonies or worship. A temple is only made glorious by God’s presence.

When Solomon built the First Temple he knew it was a place for people to go to worship God – a beautiful, grand place, but just a place. He said, “Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have built ... hearken Thou to the supplications of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; yea, hear Thou from heaven Thy dwelling place.” (2 Chronicles 6:18, 21 RSV)

We know that God does not dwell in a house made with hands. (Acts 7:48-49) But he does dwell in us. We are a dwelling place for God. (Ephesians 2:18-22) We are God’s temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) His presence in us gives our lives value.

Meeting together with fellow believers is a vital part of the Christian life. (Hebrews 10:25) It provides a time of corporate worship, fellowship, and encouragement. But the size or grandness of the place where we choose to meet is not as important as the actual meeting together. This was true in Old Testament times and true today. King Solomon’s temple could have been what we think of as a mega church today. It was wonderful and served a purpose, but the Second Temple was just as valuable.

Now I am not against mega churches. God can be present in a multitude or where only two or three are gathered in his name. (Matthew 18:20) However it is a mistake to think the greater good for God is accomplished in larger churches rather than smaller ones. God is not in the numbers game. God does not despise the small things (Zechariah 4:10) nor should we.

With God it’s not the size of the temple that counts. Solomon’s Temple was grand and a beautiful tribute to our great God, but that didn’t prevent it from burning down. However, the work of God continued on.

Be sure to visit this page often to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.