1 Kings 8:41-53

“In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built honors your name.” (1 Kings 8:43, NLT)

The temple that Solomon built had many purposes. It would be a place for God to dwell among His people in Jerusalem. It would also be a place where the Israelites could worship Yahweh by bringing their various sacrifices. Finally, it would be a place where the Gentiles could come to know and fear the LORD. God’s desire has always been that the whole world would know Him. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). People would come from distant lands because they would hear of the LORD’s great name, His mighty hand, and outstretched arm, and they would want to seek Him.

I wonder if people are attracted to the LORD through our temple. Can they detect that God is with us? Do they sense His love in how we relate to one another? Is there a conviction that divine grace and power are upon us?

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14–15, NKJV)

I can’t say that my light has always shone as brightly as it should. I can’t say that it has penetrated the darkness to the degree that it could. If we keep in mind that we are here for God’s glory rather than for our own pleasure, then it might help us to shine brighter so that more people may find their way to Jesus.