June 27

When Solomon finished building the temple in 1 Kings 8, he gathered the people of Israel to dedicate it. As the ark of the covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place, the glory of the Lord filled the temple like a cloud (v. 10–11). It was a breathtaking moment—God’s very presence resting among His people.

But Solomon knew something deeper:  “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)

Solomon's humility reminds us that no structure, however magnificent, can fully contain God's glory. Yet God chooses to dwell with His people—not because He must, but because He desires to be near us.

Psalm 30 echoes this closeness with personal gratitude:  “You turned my mourning into dancing… you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” (v. 11)

This is what God’s presence does—it transforms. He takes despair and turns it into joy. He restores what is broken. He makes a life, once distant from His presence, into a dwelling place for His Spirit.

That’s where 1 Timothy 3 comes in. Paul describes the character of leaders in the church—people whose lives, like the temple, reflect the holiness and nearness of God.

“If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (v. 15)

Now we are God’s house, His church—not made of stones and gold, but of people called to be holy, joyful, and Spirit-filled.

God still desires to dwell with us. Not in temples made by human hands, but in hearts that are open, humble, and clothed in the joy of His salvation.

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