In Figs & Furs we saw man and woman choose sin and Gods response to their sin. Now here we are several thousand years later at the Temple, built by King Solomon (1 Kings 6), modelled after Moses' tabernacle (Exodus 36), which was designed by God as an earthly replica of the temple in Heaven.
The Temple began with Moses. He would leave the Israelite camp and head out to a lone tent called 'the tent of meeting' (Exodus 33:7). There he would speak with God face to face, 'as a man speaks with his friend' (33:11). I'm jealous. In fact, God even let Moses see His Glory, His beauty, His Divine Nature...but not His face. Looking into His face, God says, would kill Moses (33:12-23). Stinking Awesome.
After that God called Moses to build an official meeting place, set up a high priest who would lead the people and be the middle man between God and them. This new tent is the Tabernacle.
Many years and wars and sins and blessings and people come and go and we step into the season of the Ugly Toddler.
Remember who the Ugly Toddler is? The Israelites. They're in that stage in their spiritual life where they're selfish, obnoxious, always needing to be retold how to act and speak and live. Yet, like a loving parent, God never gives up on them.
He disciplines.
He teaches.
He sets up Laws to guide them.
He forgives them and reconnects with them.
Yet they never stay faithful to Him for long. An Ugly Toddler.
King David steps onto the scene and is considered a friend of God they have such a good relationship. He is a king chosen by God to lead His people. King David decides to build a permanently magnificent temple for the Lord instead of a temporary tent/tabernacle. God gives David the blueprints and David passes on the instructions to Solomon, his son. Solomon builds the Temple.
This is important.
Before the Temple the people were nomads waiting to settle a land of their own.
After they move into the land God had promised them and eventually build the Temple life changes.
These people (much like you and I) have a hard time simply believing that God is always with us and in control.
These people have heavenly moments where they are connected with God, ask forgiveness for their sin and obey the Lord.
These people have even more horrible moments where they worship themselves, do what makes them feel good, follow the gods of their neighbors to fit in and make friends...they ignore God and leave Him in the dust.
The Temple is symbol of power and permanence. Now the people see a building that God calls His home permanently built in their city on the highest hill.
The Temple and the priests that take care of it are a symbol of Gods love and plan to be united with His people always. Laws are put in place to guide the people and show them what holiness is and what sin is.
The Temple is a sign of a new and eternal life with thee Creator, YHVH, the Lord God.
It's ancient history, but if you're a student of Jesus, if you believe in Him and know that He loves you, then this is your history as well, these men and women and this Temple are a part of your family tree. And if it's part of your family, it's not useless info hidden in the past, it shapes your story, who you are, why you are the way you are and who God is in your life.
Read Exodus 36:8-38 to get an idea of what Moses' Tabernacle looked like.
Read 1 Kings 6 to see the Temple being built under King Solomon.
Read Hebrews 3:6 & 1 Corinthians 6:19 to see that here and now, in 2010, the followers of Jesus are a new and living temple (we'll get to that later in more depth).
Blood was shed in the Garden and is shed in the Temple. In fact, the Ugly Toddler needs lots of blood to be forgiven for their never ending sins. We'll get to that next time.