1 Chronicles 29:2

“With all my might I have provided for the temple of my God–gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble–all of these in large quantities.”

There is no end to the benefits which we may derive from Scripture history. What if our situation and circumstances are different from those which are there adverted to? The advantage to be received from the relation of them is not a whit the less; on the contrary, it often happens that the voice of God in them is on that very account the more powerful.

Take, for instance, the example before us. David, of his own mind, desired to build a temple for the Lord; and he was forbidden to do it; yet “with all his might he prepared for it;” though it was never to be done until he was removed to the eternal world. It may be said, and with truth, that we are not, nor are at all likely to be, in circumstances like his; yet will his example be found of very peculiar use, while I set before you,

I. The zeal which David manifested for the building of a material temple to the Lord.

Though forbidden to execute his wishes, he was not forbidden to prepare for the execution of them by his son and successor on the throne of Israel. He, therefore, availed himself of the wealth and influence which God had given him, himself to contribute, out of his own personal property; and to promote a similar liberality among his subjects.

Now, it may be asked, On what principle did he proceed? And why should he so strip both himself and his people of their possessions, for the purpose of raising a structure to the Lord? I answer, he did it:

1. To honor God.

David had built for himself a noble palace; and he could not endure to live in a house of cedar himself, while the ark, which was the symbol of the divine presence, dwelt in a tent. True, no earthly house could be a fit habitation for Him who fills Heaven and earth; but still it was more fitting that there should be for God a fixed abode; and by making it “exceeding magnificent,” it would become an object of admiration to all the surrounding nations. It would also fill all his own people with reverence; and thus be the means of honoring God among them, and of exalting in their esteem its Divine Inhabitant. And was not this an object worthy to be promoted, whatever might be the trouble, or whatever the expense?

2. To bring down a blessing upon his whole land.

Greatly would it facilitate the access of all the people to their God, especially when they should come up annually, at the three appointed seasons, to worship there. And much would they see that would afford them abundant edification. Indeed, the lampstands and lavers that were used in the tabernacle were multiplied ten-fold in the temple; and the accommodations for the worshipers would be enlarged, perhaps a hundred-fold. While, therefore, the very sight of that magnificent structure would fill them with reverential awe, they would derive exceeding great comfort and encouragement from the increased facilities of social worship.

Beyond a doubt, in proportion as they delighted in drawing near to God, God would delight in drawing near to them; and in proportion as they sought him, he would be found by them, and pour out his benefits upon them.

And could a monarch improve his wealth and influence better than in such a work? No, surely; no labor, however great, nor any sacrifice, however costly, would be ill bestowed in the advancement of so blessed and desirable an end. Millions of gold and silver were well appropriated to a cause like this.

But greater far is,

II. The zeal that befits us in raising a spiritual temple in his name.

In reference to this work, no prohibition is issued to any living soul; but, on the contrary, a commandment is given to all. And infinitely more does it deserve our utmost exertions; we all are called to aid in raising this nobler edifice.

Yes, a nobler edifice it is indeed!

Its foundation is more solid.

The material temple, doubtless, was built on a foundation well fitted for its support. But Jesus Christ is, “the foundation laid in Zion;” on him must we raise the edifice, Isaiah 28:16; or rather “on the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, Ephesians 2:20.”

Its materials are more precious.

Doubtless of timber and stone, there was the most careful selection that could be made. But our temple consists of “living stones, 1 Peter 2:4-5,” every one of them possessing the Spirit of God, and animated with the very life that is in Christ Jesus, Galatians 2:20. Colossians 3:3-4.

Its architect is more honorable.

Bezalel and Aholiab are immortalized by their unrivaled skill. But of the Temple in which our assistance is required, it must be said, “Its Builder and Maker is God! Hebrews 11:10.” There is not a stone belonging to it which has not been hewn out of the quarry by God himself, and formed and fashioned by Him who built the universe! So true is that declaration of the Apostle, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Ephesians 2:10.”

Far nobler sacrifices, too, are offered in it.

All the cattle upon a thousand hills were not worthy to be compared with the sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit. “With every such offering God is well pleased;” and the temple itself is infinitely more raised in his esteem, on account of the offerings presented there, Isaiah 66:1-2. Not one is ever inflamed with his heavenly fire, but the fragrances of it ascend up before him with acceptance, and are “well pleasing to him through Jesus Christ! Psalm 51:17.”

The manifestations of God in this spiritual temple are also more bright.

True, in the material temple, God so filled it, that the priests could no longer stop to minister there, 1 Kings 8:10-11. But in his spiritual temple he dwells, not by a bright cloud, the symbol of his presence, but by his own immediate presence; making it “his habitation through the Spirit, Ephesians 2:22,” and displaying to the view of every faithful worshiper “all the glory of the Godhead in the face of Jesus Christ! 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The whole system of this spiritual temple is more lasting.

The material temple has been so entirely destroyed, that not even its site can now be accurately ascertained. But the spiritual Temple shall endure forever, as we are told by the beloved Apostle, “I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away! Revelation 21:3-4.”

The Romans utterly destroyed the earthly temple; but not all the power and policy of Hell shall ever prevail against the other.

What zeal, then, can be too great, in promoting such a work as this?

Did David prepare with all his might for the house which he was forbidden to construct? Then surely we should spare no labor and no cost in advancing the work to which we are called. We should devote to it both ourselves and our property; ourselves surely in the first instance, 2 Corinthians 8:5; for without that sacrifice, all the wealth of kingdoms would be a vain and empty, yes, a hateful and detestable offering! Isaiah 66:3. Romans 12:1. Along with that, we must present also our gold and our silver, to the utmost extent of our power, verses 13, 14. It cannot be that men should go forth to preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles, all over the world, at their own cost; nor can the Holy Scriptures be translated into all languages, and be dispersed over all countries, without great and liberal contributions from the people of God.

David and his subjects gave so richly of their substance to raise a temple of wood and stone, and even adored God for giving them the inclination and ability to contribute.

Much more should we be willing to give all that we can spare. I had almost said, all that we possess—for the advancing of God’s kingdom over the face of the whole earth. 2 Corinthians 8:3-4.

If anyone says, “I can do nothing towards that great work;” let him know, that he has at least one Temple to prepare, even his own soul, which must, before it can be happy, become “a Temple of the living God! 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19.” That you must prepare, by penitence and faith, to be the habitation of Almighty God! 2 Corinthians 6:16.

But take care that “Christ be the foundation on which you build; for there neither is, nor can be, any other, 1 Corinthians 3:11.”

Take care, also, what your superstructure is, “If it is hay, straw, stubble, it will be burnt up. It must be of gold, and silver, and precious stones,” in order to be approved of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

Take care, also, not to retain in your bosom any evil disposition. God could not endure that his temple of old should be defiled; much less will he allow any lusts to be harbored in the soul of man with impunity, “If any man defiles the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy; which Temple you are, 1 Corinthians 3:17.” I call on every one of you, then, to be “workers together with God” in this sacred cause 2 Corinthians 6:1; and, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might! Ecclesiastes 9:10.”

Charles Simeon