For centuries, it was holy ground. The Dome of the Rock, the icon of modern Israel, sits atop a large, flat prominence in Jerusalem identified by Christians and Jews as the “Temple Mount.” Here Solomon built his magnificent sanctuary some 3,000 years ago.
In building the Temple for God, Solomon recognized, “Who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?” (2 Chron. 2:6). Solomon’s question gives a principle that extends to our lives.
Only one place of sacrifice remains today.
Even before Solomon built the Temple, the elevated ground held prominence from God’s selection of it as a place of sacrifice.
For centuries afterwards, the Temple Mount served as the place of sacrifice to God.
A mere 500 yards west and two millennia after Abraham, another Father offered His only Son as a sacrifice for the sins of Abraham, David, Solomon—and all of us.
And the proverb Abraham spoke a thousand years before Solomon came true a thousand years after him:
In the mount of the LORD it will be provided. —Genesis 22:14
Indeed, the offering of Abraham on Mount Moriah and the offerings of David’s son on the Temple Mount pale in comparison to the offering of God’s Son.
“Who am I,” Solomon asked, “that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?” (2 Chron. 2:6).
Solomon’s question gives a principle for us all. Because of God’s holy character and grace to us through offering His only Son, what can we really offer Him in return but absolute worship?
Only one place of sacrifice remains: our lives.
Because of Jesus’ final sacrifice, our lives now become the altar on which we offer our love to God.
Tell me what you think: What does Christ’s final sacrifice motivate you to do most? To leave a comment, just click here.
This post is adapted from Wayne’s book, Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible.
• These 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific place in the lands of the Bible, will help you apply the truths of God’s Word to your daily journey of faith.
• You’ll enjoy pertinent Scripture, inspirational quotes, photographs, maps, and a daily prayer.
After going places with God, you’ll never be the same.