Psalm 132:1-5
In the Old Testament, the meeting place with God was usually a specific location. Mount Sinai, where Moses was given the Ten Commandments, was known as the Mountain of the Lord. There, God gave Moses the instructions for the Tent of Meeting, known as the Tabernacle.
King David, however, felt that God deserved more and desired to build God a House, as we read in 2 Samuel 7:
“When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!””
2 Samuel 7:1-2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.1-2.NLT
If we continue reading in 2 Samuel 7, we find that God designated the honor of building a house for Him to David’s son, Solomon. Yet God was pleased with David’s desire and, in turn, promised to make a house for David—a dynasty of kings from his line—and that his name would become famous, as it still is today.
God always keeps His promises.
What do we desire to do for God? Since the time of Jesus until now, the House of the Lord has often been thought of as the church building, but in truth, it is the people of God who are His house. We simply bring the church into a building. There is no church without the people. We have become the temple of the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us.
In light of that thought, how can we beautify His temple—meaning ourselves? By living according to His will and walking in His ways. As we see in Samuel’s sobering words to King Saul:
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.””
1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1sa.15.22-23.NLT
Consider also these words from Micah:
“What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:6-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mic.6.6-8.NLT
And certainly not least, consider Jesus’ words in Matthew:
“Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.””
Matthew 9:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.9.13.NLT
Jesus also said that if we truly love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Do you want to honor God? Then honor Him with the way that you live.
King David, however, felt that God deserved more and desired to build God a House, as we read in 2 Samuel 7:
“When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!””
2 Samuel 7:1-2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.1-2.NLT
If we continue reading in 2 Samuel 7, we find that God designated the honor of building a house for Him to David’s son, Solomon. Yet God was pleased with David’s desire and, in turn, promised to make a house for David—a dynasty of kings from his line—and that his name would become famous, as it still is today.
God always keeps His promises.
What do we desire to do for God? Since the time of Jesus until now, the House of the Lord has often been thought of as the church building, but in truth, it is the people of God who are His house. We simply bring the church into a building. There is no church without the people. We have become the temple of the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us.
In light of that thought, how can we beautify His temple—meaning ourselves? By living according to His will and walking in His ways. As we see in Samuel’s sobering words to King Saul:
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.””
1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1sa.15.22-23.NLT
Consider also these words from Micah:
“What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:6-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mic.6.6-8.NLT
And certainly not least, consider Jesus’ words in Matthew:
“Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.””
Matthew 9:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.9.13.NLT
Jesus also said that if we truly love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Do you want to honor God? Then honor Him with the way that you live.
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