The Builder of the Church - Reménység foglyai

The core of both Solomon and Jesus Christ’s work was the temple. The construction of a church may seem like a distant, outdated topic, but it is especially important for Latter-day Christians to see, know, and experience what an honour and tribute it is to be a component, perhaps even the crown stone, in the greatest divine enterprise. For the completion of the living temple will be the ultimate testimony of God’s goodness and truth, and everyone who makes a „temple piece” will witness eternal love. The process of building a temple in Jerusalem is a simplified model, a scenario of all that Jesus Christ has done and is doing to establish and finally consolidate the earthly kingdom of God.

The Reality of the Church

One of the ultimate goals of God’s earthly activity is to reclaim man. The tents and the temples, both of which were built in Israel due to the destruction of the conquerors, were beautiful and admirable. However, they were only scale models of the reality designed by the Almighty. The true temple of God is people in whom He wants to live through the Spirit of His son, to dress them in the splendour of His glory, to surround them with His love and make Him rejoice. God had planned the exaltation of humans even before their fall. He planned to turn them from miserable mortals into beings of divine beauty again, to make them God’s considerate companion, sentient friends and partakers in His joys in eternity — based on mutual trust and attraction.

There is another common feature: the temple of Solomon was not made of a single block of stone, but of a multitude of carved stones. A temple is real in this fashion. The body of Christ, the house of Christ, his family on earth, is not made up of a single body part or cell, but is made up of many peoples, branches and languages. However, while Solomon’s workers place lifeless stones one after another in during creation, the temple of the Lord is made up of living-sensitive stones and held together by bonds of love. These stones, even the treasures of the church, the vessels or the tools are us…

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. (1Chronicles 28:6)

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif: And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it. (1Kings 6:37-38)

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. (1Kings 7:51)

I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. (1Kings 8:13)

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (Zechariah 6:12-13)

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:17-22)

for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1Chorintians 3:17)

for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Chorintians 6:16)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1Peter 2:4-5)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out (Revelation 3:12)

It is certain that the construction and consecration records contain sentences with symbolic meaning and apply to our present and our future. They hide prophetic truths for the children of truth. It begins with the significant detail that says the church took exactly seven years of construction. Seven is the divine number. It indicates planet Earth, symbolises fullness and completeness. It is enough to think of the week in which creation took place. Modelled on this we have seven day weeks. The central events of the Saviour’ first ministry on Earth spanned exactly seven years, according to the prophecy given to Daniel (see Daniel 9:27). It is assumed that the events identified with the last proclamation in the gospel will cover a similar period of time until the Second Coming. Nor can it be a coincidence that the temple consecration festivities fell on the same day of the seventh month when the autumn feasts given to Israel were held in the seventh month. These solemn acts are clearly about the preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ by high priests. According to the chronology of the Bible, the history of sin spans seven millennia from the fall of Adam to recreation. As we can see, there is complete harmony, alignment and correspondence with the details. However, we need to discover the meaning of these in order to become “active stones” in the temple of God.

The Purpose of the Church

What is the purpose of the whole, lengthy process and solemn ceremonies? Everything is subordinated to a single divine desire and will: to win man over for an eternal and harmonious relationship. It is to prepare us to have a close relationship with God and also to have infinite future:

But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. (2Chronicles 6:2)

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. (2 Chronicles 7:16)

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:3-4)

Just as Adam and Eve expected the Lord for warm conversations, so would those who became “temple stones”.

To the Blessing of the World

It is not a self-serving, self-glorifying construction as was in so many cases throughout history. God does not pervade the drunken or vain spirit that Nebuchadnezzar boasted over Babylon with:

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30)

The purpose of the Almighty is of a higher order and of a much broader scope. It is outlined from the words of both of His sons:

Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name’s sake; (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. (1Kings 8:41-43)

I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6)

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it. (Jeremiah 33:9)

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:20-21)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them … (Matthew 28:19)

It is God’s desire for every person and every nation to be attracted to love, His goodness and His power as magnet. It is His desire to gather them under His wings of his reign like a hen gathers her chicks.

The Designer and the Constructor

There are several very special parallels in the story. The first is perhaps the loving, conflict-free father-son relationship between David and Solomon. Harmony and working together exemplifies the beautiful relationship between God and His Son, the Father and the beloved Only Begotten. Perhaps it is no coincidence that David could not build the temple, although it was his heart’s desire. In a sense, God himself, the Almighty, could not accomplish this task. The obedient Son who is suitable to carry out every detail of salvation, for YHVH could not have died for his creatures, although he would have been ready to do so. Just as David gave Solomon the most elaborate, detailed plans, He worked and had his labourers follow His plans precisely. In this manner we can gain an insight into the blessed division of labour in creation, salvation, and re-creation. The Father is the designer, the Son is the executioner. They did all this together, in “peace council”, that is, in the harmony of intimate love.

And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel. And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. (1Chronicles 22:5-11)

Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD. He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service: Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick. And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver: Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver: And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. (1Chronicles 28:11-20)

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:15-17)

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (Proverbs 8:30)

for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. (John 5:36)

Co-workers

Just as the work of Solomon, the ministry of God was aided by the Levites, priests, and leaders of the tribes, the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ was also aided by the armies of angels and their earthly associates, the prophets, the apostles, and great number of unnamed but committed Christians, although on a much larger scale. It is a matter of coordinated community work in both cases, the centre and indispensable base and element of which is, however, the self-sacrifice of the Son of God. To use a fashionable term, without the goodness of Jesus, “this wonderful project would never have been possible”.

And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment. (1Chronicles 28:21)

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (1Corinthinas 3:5)

And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 19:10)

The High Priest

According to heavenly guidance, the first high priest was Aaron, the brother of Moses, whose job was to be the channel and mediator in the God-man relationship. He was a link between heaven and earth. In total, perhaps there are only three cases recorded in the Bible where the same person performed both royal and high priestly duties. The first was Melchizedek, the king of a city-state called Salem, who blessed Abraham on his returning home from a victorious battle (see Moses 14). The second was Solomon himself, who served as high priest only one case: during the consecration of the construction he himself oversaw. The third is the „real one,” Jesus Christ himself. There is a similarity between Solomon and Jesus Christ. Neither Solomon nor Jesus could have been high priest according to the Aaronic order, that is, they both demonstrate a special exception, and in this respect they resemble the Midianite Melchizedek. In other cases, God resolutely resisted those reckless attempts when rebellious earthly kings wanted to boast in this role. (See 2 Chronicles 26: 19-21)

A high priest’s main duties were to offer sacrifice, to mediate, to open new paths and to settle disagreements between God and his disconnected creatures. The high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ began after His resurrection and glorification and will end before His Second Coming. Perhaps this is the service about which we can have an insight into hidden details through Solomon.

And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart… (1Kings 8:22-23)

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts (2Chronicles 6:13-14)

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat. (2Chronicles 7:1.7)

we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14)

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:20-21.28)

We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens: A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. (Hebrews 8:1)

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:11-14)

Sacrifice Offering

The killing of animals as sacrifice and presenting these to deity has been an indispensable “accessory” of all pagan religions since ancient times. Only in the worship of YHVH can we see the subject in just the opposite sense. It is not man who gives something for blessing in return, but God gives Himself in order for man to gain life. God never delighted in the death of any of His animals or other creatures. Offering sacrifice was meant to express and perceive the sacrifice of infinite value performed for the sake of man. God fashioned the symbol of His own love, his own devotion. It is clear that in the light of the God according to the New Testament, the bloodshed Solomon ordered was a completely meaningless “bloodshed and waste” in view of the immeasurable multitude of sacrifices. However, he did what he did according to the conventions of the time. On the other hand, there and then he sought to express his love of God and the infinity of His greatness in this manner. He deeply felt his own smallness, his unworthiness, and he knew that his high priestly ministry was unthinkable and, above all, unacceptable in the eyes of God without sacrifice.

The crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha was the implication and final fulfilment of all of the Easter lambs and all the pigeons, goats, cattle ever sacrificed. After the upholstery of the church was split in two, there was neither a need for a church built of stone nor for ceremonies any longer because they had fulfilled their prospective role. The apostle Paul clearly teaches that Jesus’ single, perfect sacrifice is abundant for all men to regain their eternal life. At the same time, he provided a solid foundation for the Son’s high priestly ministry, the reference and for which was his own innocent, pure blood. During his intercession he promised a new life.

And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD. And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD. The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings. (1Kings 8:5.62-64)

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. (2Chronicles 7:1)

For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us (1Corinthians 5:7)

Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Hebrews 10:11-14)

The Mediator

Solomon’s example makes the mediating role of Jesus Christ between heaven and earth perfectly visible and tangible. David’s son was „fruitful”: in Jerusalem he met positive feedback or response, divine promises still in effect today. How much more so is this true in the case of the Son of God, the eternal and perfect high priest who sits on the right hand of the heavenly Father. To use a fashionable word today, a mediator can successfully communicate if he perfectly understands both sides whose peace he works for. The Messianic Jesus is irreplaceable and unique in this respect. As the Son of God, in his divine quality, he fully understands His Father. As a human that he became, he learned all the weaknesses, limits, and sufferings of mortal existence. He reconciled the two parties in his own body – albeit, only humans had issues of trust. Consequently, he became a perfect bridge and interceptor in one.

And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: (2Chronicles 6:12.19)

Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. (2 Chronicles 6:21)

Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. (2 Chronicles 6:35)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 6:19-20)

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1John 2:1-2)

Exaltation of God

The highest purpose of both Solomon and Jesus was to introduce the one true God as a holy being characterized by special power, truth, fidelity and reliability. However, the difference between the two glorifications is that of heaven and earth. There are promises of obedience in the Old Testament system of relationships. However, Jesus said that what any human was unable to do He had done it himself! God is worthy of praise and glory for upholding His promise. The wonderful proof of this is the triumph of the redemption and salvation of mankind.

And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. (1Kings 8:23-24)

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (John 17:4)

Requests

Solomon, as King of Israel, apparently inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, revealed a long line of requests to God. These requests were sin-centered and primarily physical in nature. Not only in a sense that they were concentrated a single geographical point, the temple in Jerusalem. He listed all the existing problems of life that God’s children can have on an evil-occupied Earth: wars and defeats as a result of sinful actions, captivity, drought, various natural disasters and so on. Solomon petitioned for God’s help to resolve these issues. These parallel-edited sentences present the loss and weakness of man, and the consequences, consistent with the Old Testament. However, all requests end the same way: you listen from heaven! However, David knew that his God was one who listened to requests…

Examining the other side, however, these requests show God’s infinite benevolence, and complete concern. His power is enough to change every situation. He is remedy for every trouble. He is able to help a hundred times and a thousand times.

If a man sin against his neighbour… (2Chronicles 6:22a)
And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee… (2Chronicles 6:24a)

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain… (2Chronicles 6:26a)
If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be… (2Chronicles 6:28a)
Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name’s sake… (2 Chronicles 6:32a)
If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them (2 Chronicles 6:34a)
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near… (2 Chronicles 6:36a)
Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (Chronicles 6:40)

Solomon’s Final Requests

The last requests are extremely important because they include the final moments related to the construction and consecration of the temple:

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. (1Chronicles 6:40-41)

For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.. (Leviticus 16:30)

the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

The fact that the Ark of the Covenant was placed where it had been planned to be placed, in the sanctuary of the saints within the sanctuary, symbolizes a miracle. Physical objects are meant to reflect spiritual reality. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes Jesus Christ, who “contains” and hides the almighty God. The temple is the abode of man, the saint of the saints, the spirit within the soul of man, which belongs exclusively to God. Therefore, the insertion of the ark symbolizes the Lord of heaven taking up dwelling in man through Christ: the divine-shaped space is filled. This first event took place at Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and takes place over and over again at each rebirth: it will become a reality during the immersion in Christ and the reception of the Spirit. The promise of Jesus comes true: we will come unto him, and abide with him (John 14:23). The direct consequence of this is when putting on and wearing the cloak of salvation, the white wedding dress which is a symbol of faith in the truth, health, and completeness of Christ. The abolition of the past, the birth of a new and sacred creation, as well as moving into the kingdom of God can fill the human heart with joy. This process takes place in every lost, repentant person. However, something is still missing to conclude history: the glory of Christ’s presence shines through His faithful children in every way visible everywhere on Earth.

The Requests of Jesus Christ

The longest prayer of Jesus Christ, which he said just before his crucifixion was recorded by the apostle John. It is commonly known as high priestly prayer, although at that time it was “only” preparation for the role of the Lamb. Jesus’ high priest ordination took place after his resurrection and ascension. His supplication touches on four interrelated themes: retention, preservation, sanctification, and unity of those who trusted Him, those who united with Him. In fact, there is a total parallel between the two prayers. Like Solomon’s prayer touches on every detail, Jesus begs for ultimate restoration on a higher level. The requests arise between the Father and the Son, based on a trouble-free, perfect relationship, while both of them were completely aware of the situation. Consequently they cover real needs, they eliminate real dangers – they are actually being fulfilled!

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (John 17:9)

Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. (John 17:11)

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (John 17:15)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:20-21)

The visible manifestation of unity that the world needs is the appearance of an overflowing love pouring out through the children of God in the Temple of Solomon, which is the same as the bright fog that fills the building.

Hearing

The greatest joy of a godly man is always the shocking fact that God pays attention and individually and positively responds to requests. The aspiration of the Almighty is to make it not only an extraordinary experience, but to develop it into a naturally functioning relationship like the self-evident ease of breathing or a loving dialogue between parent and child. We were given this opportunity in Jesus, our brother, and our high priest: He gave us His sonship based connection with God, passed on to us his Father to have Him as our own father, with whom we can have a shadowless relationship in constant harmony.

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. (2Chronicles 7:12)

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 11:41-42)

I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:12-14)

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

God’s Responses

God responded to Solomon’s sacrifices, his intercessory prayer, in three ways: first, the fire from heaven destroyed and devoured the sacrifice presented. Secondly – even twice – he filled the reconstructed church with the radiance of his glory, that is, he visibly poured out his presence and accepted and occupied the residence He was offered. And third, he spoke to Jedidiah again in a dream, and overstocked him with wonderful but conditional promises with which God bound Himself to the temple that was constructed in his honour for eternity. He promised constant attention and care for the church. The pleading king won a throne from the king of heaven confirmed for time without end.

All these events, divine promises, won their final fulfilment in Jesus Christ.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. (2Chronicles 5:13-14)

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. (2Chronicles 7:1-2)

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. (2Chronicles 7:15-18)

The two wonderful events in which the church was filled with a brilliant fog in response to the sound of horns, praise and royal prayer – once did happen in reality, but only at a certain point on Earth. Somewhere in Jerusalem, somewhere on the floor of a house, on that certain fiftieth day after the resurrection of Jesus the double tongues of flame descended on nearly a hundred people, and as a result, the whole city was filled with the joy of YHVH’s presence. The same will hopefully happen on a global scale soon, when the glorious presence of Christ floods his temple. This will be the moment when his high priestly ministry will end in heaven, for the earthly temple, the earthly body, the living stones will finally reflect His glory, and there will be no need for intercession.

The One to Finish the Work

As Solomon finished construction and then consecrated the edifice, as sure we can that the work that Jesus Christ began will be restored as his father provided him with all the conditions, subsequently we can be sure by the goodness of God and its beauty will far exceed those immovable buildings that were brought together by human hands or the long-demolished ones that have been mourned to this day. For everything is based on the promises of the Father, whose word will be true forever.

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. (1Chronicles 28:20)

And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. (1Kings 8:20-21)

and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. (1Kings 8:43)

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:34)

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (John 17:4)

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:28-30)

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:5-7)

The Maker of Feasts

The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated as the final event of the Solomon temple consecration. It not only points to the past but also to our future, fulfilling God’s promises when the earthly battle is over and a time of joy and eternal happiness comes, when we can truly see the Almighty and also see the face of the Saviour. Then it will be Christ himself to host his earthly brethren.

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt. And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. (2 Chronicles 7:8-10)

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son… (Máté 22:2)

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:6-9)