I was overwhelmed with the beauty of words and sincerity of heart as Solomon gave his dedicatory prayer before the people gathered. It took decades to prepare for this massive and elaborate temple that David designed, and Solomon built for the Lord. Can you imagine a temple built by man to house God Almighty? Bejeweled and glimmering in gold and precious stones, Solomon intended his masterpiece to accommodate the Lord God forever.

With arms wide open and on his knees, King Solomon bowed in supplication before the King of the universe, submitting in childlike obedience.

How strange is the concept that a human being could build an appropriate place to house a God that a world could not contain. But God accepted this glorious thought and honored man’s desire for His presence by filling the Most Holy Place with smoke. So filled with power was the smoke of His presence that the priest had to leave.

In stark contrast is the marvel that is a hidden mystery to the unbeliever. God has turned Solomon’s concept around in the New Testament. Jesus came to mankind with His proposal. Christ says to you and me, “I will make you my temple to dwell in forever.”

In the Old Testament, a man built a temple for God; in the New Testament, Christ made a temple for Himself in you. Christ in me, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27 Amplified Bible (AMP)

27 God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.