June 25

1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3 offer us a detailed picture of Solomon building the temple—a structure so carefully crafted that every stone, beam, and overlay of gold pointed to the glory and holiness of God. The temple wasn’t simply a building; it was a declaration:  “I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:13)

God’s presence was meant to dwell among His people, not because He needed a house, but because He longed to be near them. This is the heart of God from the beginning: a desire for communion, restoration, and relationship.

Fast forward to 1 Timothy 1, and we see this same God of holiness revealed in His mercy. Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, writes with wonder and gratitude:  “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man… I was shown mercy.” (1 Timothy 1:13)

Paul knew firsthand what it meant to be restored by grace. God took what was broken and hostile, and He built something beautiful in its place—a life that would now proclaim the gospel and glorify Christ.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (v. 15)

The God who dwelled in the temple now dwells in us through His Spirit. We are His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), built not with gold and cedar, but with grace and truth. And just like the temple, our lives are meant to reflect His glory, not our own.

So whether you’re rebuilding from past failures, or building anew in faith, remember: God is still crafting beauty, still extending mercy, and still choosing to dwell with His people.

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