Word Count: 685

Contact Jerry Ousley

The Temple

by Jerry Ousley  
2/21/2014 / Christian Living

During my US Army days, while stationed in Washington DC, I was required to attend a special service at the National Cathedral. I was there a couple of times during the early eighties in conjunction with my tour of duty. They were doing some extremely expensive face-lifts on the building and I have to confess that it was a magnificent structure.

At that time our son was only two or three years old, but he and Deb attended this special service with us. We felt like ducks out of water. I mean, this was a very ritzy place. I wouldn't even attempt to guess how many millions of dollars were wrapped up in that building. I was afraid to touch anything and frankly I was also afraid that our son would break something. I displayed a false pride because I was trying to fit in, and I know my actions aggravated my wife. She's the type of person who will be herself wherever she is, and I admire her for it.

But I, on the other hand, was trying to put up a false front like I knew what I was doing in this magnificent structure. I didn't and more than likely my nervousness caused more attention than did our infant son who became fidgety during the very formal service. I couldn't wait to get out of that place it was way too ritzy for me!

It reminded me of the time when Jesus and His disciples visited the Temple in Jerusalem. It too was a magnificent structure. When it was originally constructed by King Solomon it was built of very fine stone, and timber from the cedars of Lebanon. It measured approximately ninety feet long by thirty feet wide by nearly forty-five feet tall. A thirty foot by fifteen foot porch stood at the main entrance. Amazingly all the lumber and stones were cut and shaped outside the city and it was constructed so that when the building material was brought in, according to the Bible, no sound of a tool was heard in the city during its construction. You can find these facts in 1 Kings 6 through 8. Most of the building and its artifacts were overlaid with pure gold. It was a very luxurious place.

It was destroyed when Judah was taken into captivity by the Babylonians. But later, although not quite so elaborate, it was rebuilt by Ezra when the people were allowed to return after their captivity. During the days of Jesus, King Herod, wanting to please the people, had done such a complete remodeling job that it became known as the Temple of Herod.

Viewing the Temple the disciples gave Jesus a tour apparently commenting on the exquisite stones and structure. Jesus interrupted saying, "These things which you see the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down" (Luke 21:6). It was a shocking statement to all those around Him. Did He not appreciate this magnificent structure erected to God?

Little did they realize just how much Jesus knew about temples. They had no idea that in Heaven stood a temple more wonderful than any structure man could ever dream of building. Nothing made by man can last forever. Wear and tear will take its toll and eventually will need repairs, rebuilds and refurbishment or it will fall. Jesus knew this when He spoke those words and reading between the lines He was telling them that when we depend on things made by man's hands, they will one day let us down.

Jesus taught that the temple in which God really wanted to live was the temple of the human soul. After we have come to the Lord we become a temple more magnificent than any structure man could ever build.

While our religious buildings may be wonders to our eyes, we need to consider these things. We need to realize that one day all buildings will either fall or be replaced, and put more emphasis on the temple God really wants to occupy us.

Jerry D. Ousley is the author of ?Soul Challenge?, ?Soul Journey?, ?Ordeal?, ?The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional and his first novel ?The Shoe Tree.? Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW

Read more articles by Jerry Ousley

Like reading Christian Articles? Check out some more options. Read articles in Main Site Articles, Most Read Articles or our highly acclaimed Challenge Articles. Read Great New Release Christian Books for FREE in our Free Reads for Reviews Program. Or enter a keyword for a topic in the search box to search our articles.

Enter comments below. Due to spam, all hyperlinks posted in the comments are now immediately disabled by our system.

Please type the following word below:

Not readable? Change text.

The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Hire a Christian Writer, Christian Writer Wanted, Christian Writer Needed, Christian Content Needed, Find a Christian Editor, Hire a Christian Editor, Christian Editor, Find a Christian Writer