Hey Church!
As we continue in our biblical-theological survey of worship this week, I want to look very briefly at what worship was like in the days of Solomon’s Temple.
King David was inspired to draw up the architectural plans for the first Temple but ultimately God chose his son, Solomon, to build it. Its layout and furnishings very closely resembled those of the Tabernacle (which was meant to symbolically resemble the Garden of Eden), with a few differences, including being twice its size. If you missed the article on the Tabernacle, you can read it here: riovistachurch.com/prepareforworship-20220211
Perhaps the most obvious difference was that the Tabernacle was designed as a portable tent for the wandering people of Israel, whereas the Temple was established on the northern hill of Jerusalem, the epicenter of the nation. It was a magnificent spectacle full of ornate designs, much of it covered in gold, and colorful linens and precious stones. Once again we must step back and marvel at this God who goes to such great lengths to dwell with His “stiff-necked” people! The heavens can’t contain Him and yet He veiled His glory and revealed it in such a limited, finite (and yet beautiful) way in order to make Himself accessible to humanity.
So, what was worship like in the days of Solomon’s Temple? The people would sacrifice a lamb in the morning, followed by recited prayers at 9:00 AM. Each household would choose the most choice lamb from among their flocks, lead it to the outer courts of the Temple, lay their hands on its head as a way of identifying the animal as their substitute, then slaughter it and burn its remains on the altar. They would pray for forgiveness, that the Lord would accept this bloody sacrifice in their stead, and then give thanks for His provision of such a substitute. Meanwhile, while the people prayed outside the Temple, the High Priest stood at the altar of incense before the veil in the Holy Place, offering prayers on their behalf. Can you imagine keeping up with that schedule every day? Think of the cost! Think about how gruesome, smelly, and filthy that would be!
They would repeat this same procedure again six hours later, at 3:00 PM. Choose a lamb, lead it to the slaughter, lay hands on it, bleed it out, burn its remains, and offer prayers. Every morning, every evening, for as long as you live. Just try to sit in that reality for a minute and ask yourself, “What kind of impression would that lifestyle make on me and on my kids?”
The sacrifice required for us on Sunday mornings is no less gruesome or costly than it was in those days. Instead of twice-daily lambs from our own flock, God the Father provided His Son to be slaughtered once for all. More than access to the outer courts, we are permitted—invited—behind the veil and into the Most Holy Place, where God’s raw glory abides in power. Jesus is not offering prayers on our behalf twice per day but at every moment, day and night, without ceasing. And as if that wasn’t overwhelming enough, He takes His Law and, instead of stone tablets, imprints His Word on our hearts and gives us His Holy Spirit to help us in our unbelief.
The fact that God then gives us each other, His Bride, and calls us to draw near to Him with the promise that He, too, will draw near to us, is almost too wonderful a gift for us to bear. THAT God calls your name and says, “Come to me.” He longs to hear your praises and struggles; He desires your worship and nearness more than all the riches of heaven. How could we resist such grace? How could we come with anything less than our everything—our very best, most costly sacrifice of praise this Sunday? He is more than worthy.
Your brother,
Ryan