Category Archives for Daily Meditation

Temple Convocation

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 7 verse 46 through chapter 8 verse 5.
1Kings 7:46-8:5

Synopsis     1Kings 7:46-8:5     4/1/2019 

Solomon guided the construction of the temple. And Hiram worked to complete the project. He poured his metal castings near the Jordan. Hiram had used so much bronze in his creations that Solomon determined the amount was to great to count. And then, Hiram finished.

With the metalwork complete, Solomon equipped the temple with all of the articles and tools. He also deposited King David’s votive offerings into the temple treasury.  

With the construction complete, Solomon assembled all the elders of Israel. Then, he directed the priests to bring up the Tent of Meeting with the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David to the new temple location.  

Temple Convocation 

Solomon completed the construction. Then he equipped the temple. And once he finished, he prepared a convocation. So, he invited all the elders of Israel. And together, they installed the Ark of the Covenant in the new temple. 

The Authentic Community Convenes 

Why do we meet?  

Part of living in a community is the expectation that the members of the community occasionally meet. This is especially true for Christians. 

The claim of scripture is that the followers of Jesus are a single body. One body. In other words, God made us connected.

So, meeting with the community is more than simply enjoying a social context. And, it’s more than fulfilling a duty. We do this because our lives depend on it – on each other. God made us connected.  

At the mass, we physically and spiritually come together. And in that moment of special communion, God is present to us communally and collectively. To all of us.  

The Communion of Saints is a communion of saints – even those in the making.  

“We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near” Heb 10:25 

April 1, 2019

Temple Washing

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 7 verses 33 through 45.
1Kings 7:33-45

Synopsis     1Kings 7:33-45     3/25/2019 

Hiram created the metalwork for Solomon’s Temple. Already he had created the two pillars and the colossal bronze sea. In order to finish his work, Hiram created ten lavers for washing the butchered flesh of the sacrifices. 

After this, Hiram completed fashioning the metal tools for the work of the sacrifice. And then, he was finished with his work. 

Temple Washing 

Hiram’s work allowed for a distinction between different kinds of washing. The priests used the lavers to wash the animal sacrifices before they were offered. But they used the Sea of Bronze for ceremonial purification.  

Hiram constructed ten lavers. Each was on wheels for rapid refilling. This allowed the priests to process the sacrifices more efficiently.  

Washing My Sacrifice 

In my life, I have experienced a wide variety of situations. On several occasions, I have been in circumstances where it was impossible to wash. There was little or no water for washing. No showers. No shaving. And in at least a couple of these, the situation persisted for days, or even weeks. 

And during those times, I felt the need to be clean.  

I realize that this is somewhat cultural. So, not everyone in the world feels the same need to wash as frequently as I experience it. In fact, my pre-teen sons don’t even experience the need to be clean in the same way.

It’s possible to get used to our filth and continue to function.  

But I think no one really likes feeling dirty. Even my sons, if they encounter a foul-smelling foreign substance in the backyard (usually from the neighbor’s cat) will desire to wash.  

In my mind, the sense of feeling dirty is closely related to the perception of danger. Persistent uncleanness makes me more vulnerable to disease. It represents a threat condition. So, for me taking a shower – getting clean – represents freedom from that threat.  

Moral filth acts in a similar way. We put up with it because it’s just a part of doing business in a fallen world. But we somehow perceive that it represents a threat. We intuit that moral uncleanness could lead to ruin. And so, we want to be clean. Even when we’re fully engaged in the mire, in the back of our minds we recognize this need.

But this is moral uncleanness. It’s sin. So, it’s essentially relational – not like cat dung from the backyard. And, with sin, I can’t wash myself, by myself. I need the help of those I’ve offended. I need the help of the God of all Creation, whom I’ve offended.

“Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:9 

March 29, 2019

Scale of the Temple

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 7 verses 23 through 32
1Kings 7:23-32

Synopsis     1Kings 7:23-32     3/22/2019 

Solomon commissioned Hiram to fashion the metal work of the temple. And so, Hiram constructed the components necessary to operate the temple. These included a dramatic bronze “sea” of water that was mounted on the backs of twelve bronze oxen. In a nod to the ordering of the tribes during the exodus, the oxen were oriented in groups of three pointed towards the east, west, south and north.  

Hiram also fashioned ten lavers that held water. These were for the priests to wash themselves. And they were on wheels for portability.  

The Scale of the Temple  

It is important to recognize that the Solomon’s temple dwarfed the size and scale of the Tent of Meeting. At God’s direction, Moses made the original tabernacle of heavy curtains. Accordingly, he designed it to primarily serve the needs of the Israelite’s alone. Accordingly, it was a portable structure because the people were transient in the exodus.  

But Solomon’s Temple represented a new phase in the revealing of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And though the Law of Moses communicated an openness to foreigners and aliens, it was a practical challenge for foreigners to worship God and join the community.  

Solomon’s new temple had the scale to allow for the processing of a much larger number of animal sacrifices to accommodate a population that was increasing naturally and through evangelization. The scale of the temple had the magnificence appropriate to the God of all Creation and the wonder appeal that would draw the curious to contemplate the revelation that had come through Moses. 

In this way, the temple was a step towards the fulfillment of the law.   

Ancient Evangelization 

Sometimes I experience the temptation of exclusivity. I’ve come to the place where it’s hard for me to imagine living my life without a relationship with Jesus. For me, it hasn’t always been that way. So, I count these days as the best of my life. And I count the privilege of fellowship with brothers and sisters who seek relationship with Jesus as my authentic community.   

So now, I don’t want anything to screw it up. I’m settling in to this way of life. And I’ve made attachments to those people who have fostered me and helped me grow.  

But God’s not done. None of us can imagine we’re the last one through the door. So, if walking with Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to you, then you are obligated to bring this good news to others.  

And so, the day will come when I cannot settle for a little “Tent of Meeting” in my little heart that is only big enough for me and Jesus. No, not when God’s intention is that my life should radiate the splendor of Solomon’s temple – telling the world that God is available to all.  

I will sow her for myself in the land, and I will have pity on Not-Pitied. I will say to Not-My-People, “You are my people,” and he will say, “My God!” Hosea 2:25 

March 27, 2019

Hiram and the Bronze

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 7 verses 11 through 22.
1Kings 7:11-22

Hiram and the Bronze 

Hiram was a renowned metalworker. He was born to a man from Tyre who had married a woman from the Israelite tribe of Naphtali.  

Solomon brought him to Jerusalem to work on the temple project. So, Hiram created all of the metal objects that adorned Solomon’s temple. These included the ornate bronze columns at the front entrance to the temple house. 

Technology and the Church 

The Authentic Community has never feared scientific advance and the formation of technology. Instead, technology has routinely, and appropriately, been viewed as a gift that has the potential to bring glory to God. Or, at least, a greater awareness of the glory of God.  

Needs and Technology 

As a Christian, I sometimes sense in myself ambivalence about technology. I have this intuition that technology may have some corrosive effect on human souls. Perhaps, my deeper fear is that it is having a corrosive effect on my soul. 

The thing is, as human beings, we have needs. And aside from the basic needs for food and shelter, every human heart has an even more fundamental need to know God and participate in community. Hence, the Savior says, “Love God….and love your neighbor as yourself”. (Mark 12:30) 

I long for meaning and purpose. And like Augustine, “my soul finds its rest when it rests in God”. (Conf Book 1) Neither the presence or absence of technology changes this. 

But still, the advances in technology are coming so fast. It can feel overwhelming.  

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Retreating from the use of technology out of fear isn’t reasonable. Instead, the just and fitting use of technology is to do good – to create real value for others – to serve the fundamental needs of my brothers and sisters.  

And so, let this be my motive. And then, technology once more becomes what it was always meant to be: a tool in my hand. 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.” Psalms 19:1 

March 26, 2019

Form and Culture

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 6 verse 37 through chapter 7 verse 10
1Kings 6:37-7:10

Synopsis     1Kings 6:39-7:11     3/20/2019 

Solomon built the temple. And it took seven years from the foundation to completion.  

Then Solomon built his own palace. But this took nearly twice as long. And it wasn’t completed for thirteen.

The palace was grand with a dramatic entrance. And at the front of the palace were two porches. Solomon named one the “Porch of Columns”. He called the second one the “Porch of the Throne”, which was also known as the “Porch of Judgement”. 

Solomon Forming the Culture 

The Israelites wanted monarchy. Back in the time of Samuel, they petitioned both God and Samuel for a king. They wanted to be like all of the nations around them. And so, God gave them a king. 

Accordingly, a new balance of power began. But it wasn’t until Solomon constructed his palace that this new balance was fully formalized.  

With all this construction came the recognition that there were two houses in Jerusalem. One house for God. It was the center of worship. But also one for the king. Israel had chosen to become a synthetic community. And so, Solomon made the palace into the center of political life of the kingdom.   

Israel lived with the tension of two systems of authority. 

The Form of Culture 

I get caught up in the political conversation of my time. “Conversation” might be too gentle. Really, it seems like a shouting match. 

I wonder how values that are so varied, and often so much at odds with my worldview, can be reconciled in my life. The synthetic community makes its claims. It determines what behaviors are legal and acceptable. It executes judgement. And it enforces corrections. But it seems more or less indifferent to God’s plan for human beings.  

The authentic community proposes a political order that is transcendent. No man created authentic community. It is universal. More than that, it is a universal effort to discover what is true and beautiful and good.  

And this process of discovery isn’t merely scientific or intellectual. Instead, people actually live it. Following in God’s way is both the proper ordering of human affairs and the actualizing of my own potential.    

I have this belief: Anyone who is searching for the truth will find God.

And if this is true, then human beings who claim to be searching for a real solution to the extraordinary challenges facing the human race, will eventually find God. We’re like little children. The human being in all of us will try our own way first. And we do. 

But the natural law remains. It always will. And as men of goodwill search for real solutions to worldwide challenges, it only stands to reason that God will once again be found in the wisdom of natural law.

But until then, it’s up to me to respond faithfully to God. And part of responding faithfully to God is to relate to the synthetic community in solidarity.  

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Matt 22:12 

March 21, 2019

God Inspired Creativity

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 6 verses 22 through 36.
1Kings 6:22-36

Synopsis    1Kings 6:22-36     3/19/2019 

Solomon completed the construction of the main house of the temple. Afterward, he made two cherubim that he placed in the Holy of Holy place. These were large figures that dominated the space where the mercy seat would be located.  

Everything inside the house was made from wood that was covered in gold. Even the cherub figures were covered in gold. And all the wood was carved with ornate, symbolic figures.   

Solomon’s Creativity 

Solomon worked from a pattern. But he had to orchestrate the effort and make provision for much of the materials. His was a creative effort that transcended merely following directions.  

So, he used his gifts of wisdom and administration in order to glorify God. 

God Inspired Creativity 

I also have certain innate gifts. In fact, we all do. And we also have time and resources.  

What’s curious, is that we have pretty much the same as Solomon. Not the same resources. And not the same vocation. Nor the same gifts. 

But we all have some of each.  

And so, there is Solomon in all his royal splendor. He was ruler over God’s chosen people. And he was Creator of the first temple devoted to the one true God.  

And yet, we are no less than he in the eyes of God. Our present mission is just as great.  

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them:” Rom 12:6 

March 19, 2019

Time to Regain Perspective

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 6 verse 9 through verse 21.
1Kings 6:9-21

Synopsis     1Kings 6:9-21     3/18/2019 

Solomon finished the structure of the house. After this, he directed the construction of the roof. And once the building was under roof, God spoke to Solomon again.

God promised to live in the house. And He promised to continue to dwell in the midst of the Israelites. However, His promise was conditional. As king, it was up to Solomon, and his heirs, to remain faithful. 

After this, Solomon continued the work of finishing the temple. He paneled the interior with cedar planks. And all of the planks were carved with various, symbolic shapes. And all of this was covered in pure gold.  

Solomon’s Encouraging Respite 

Solomon’s Temple was a big project. It took a long time to finish. And it cost an enormous amount of money. And it took a lot of labor too. There was much riding on getting the project done.  

Putting the roof on the building was a milestone. Even though there was much left to do, it represented a level of achievement. And it was at this point that God spoke to Solomon. God basically assured him that he was on the right course. And he validated Solomon’s plans by promising to dwell in the temple, as long as Solomon and his sons remained faithful to God. 

Take Time to Regain Perspective  

Sometimes it feels like l live in a series of projects. One after another. Always, it seems, there is more to do. So, it’s sometimes easy for work or even home life to feel like a grind. But when I accept that feeling unchallenged, I often lose sight of why I started – or what I had hoped to accomplish.

It’s at these moments that it’s doubly important to seek out time with God. I must commit to the Way of Presence. I must commit to live in each moment as God gives it. For, God is the giver of each of these moments. So, he is always there. He is always “in” the moment.

For this reason, when I turn to Him and listen – I find that He is always speaking. He offers a word of encouragement. He speaks a word of hope in the midst of frustration or despair. And even if I can’t quite hear it myself, I know that He’s speaking. And I know that He is encouraging me in goodness, and truth and beauty.

“What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Matt 10:27 

March 18, 2019

Seeing the Eternal in Change

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 5 verse 31 through chapter 6 verse 8.
1Kings 5:31-6:8

Synopsis      1Kings 5:31-6:8     3/13/2019 

Solomon used the forced laborers of Israel to build the temple. Before the construction began, the Israelites prepared the raw materials. Then, four years after Solomon had become king, the actual construction on the temple began.  

And so, Solomon constructed the temple proportional to the dimensions of the Tent of Meeting. Yet, he adorned the building with additional features. However, the design preserved the basic room structure that included the holy place and the holy of holy places.  

All of the stones for the temple were quarried and cut outside of Jerusalem. So, the workers constructed the temple in silence. They made no irreverent sounds in the place that the God of Israel would one day dwell. 

Making God’s House Solid 

Solomon wanted to make the transient tent of God into a permanent dwelling. He wanted to build a magnificent structure that would last throughout time. But he wanted the magnificent, permanent Temple to reflect the essence and mystery of God’s original, and humble, design.  

Recognizing the Eternal in Change 

It’s a blessing to recognize the eternal nature of God. He is utterly transcendent. And everything He has created has been created through wisdom, which is also, utterly transcendent.  

And, this transcendence means we can never really touch the eternal, at least not in our present state. But the mystery and the miracle of God’s creation is that it still makes sense. I can understand purpose. I can apprehend cause and effect. And, I can relate to story as it’s being told. We too easily take for granted the fact that our constantly changing world still makes sense.  

But it is precisely because of this that we can know God. He has made Himself perceivable by making the world intelligible.  

“Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they [human beings] have no excuse” Rom 1:20 0

March 13, 2019

Solomon’s Investment

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 5 verses 22 through 30.
1Kings 5:22-30

Synopsis     1Kings 5:22-30     3/12/2019 

Solomon desired to build a temple. And so, he requested the raw materials from King Hiram. Hiram’s kingdom controlled vast amounts of materials, especially cedar trees. So, he began sending the provisions that Solomon had requested.  

The relationship between the two kings went on for many years. And Solomon paid for the resources with vast amounts of grain and hand-pressed oil  

Additionally, Solomon pressed Israelite workers into forced labor in order to help process Hiram’s wood, as well as to build the temple itself.  

Solomon’s Investment 

Solomon invested large amounts of grain and valuable oil in order to obtain the materials he needed to build the temple. And he also took the labor of Israelite men. And as taxes go, forced labor is perhaps the most personal form of taxation.  

All of this Solomon saw as a necessity. The price to build the temple was extremely high. Even so, the clarity of his vision drove him.   

Value and Investment 

It’s a Sunday School answer – “I am a temple of the Holy Spirit”. It’s not wrong thing to want. In fact, it’s a good thing to want. I should want to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. 

Even more than that, I should want it as much Solomon wanted the first temple in Jerusalem. Accordingly, I should want to invest what Solomon was willing to invest. This is the House of God after all

You are the house of God. 

“Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.” Luke 14:28 

March 12, 2019

Wisdom and Culture

Handwritten page from the first book of Kings chapter 5 verses 12 through 21.
1Kings 5:12-21

Synopsis     1Kings 5:12-21     3/8/2019      

Like his father, King Solomon wrote proverbs and songs. But he also made inquiries into the nature of plants. And in a similar way, he considered the nature of various animals.  

Hiram, the king of Tyre, had been a friend to King David. So, when Solomon became king, Hiram extended friendship to him as well.  

For his part, Solomon recognized the potential to acquire natural resources from Lebanon through a relationship with Hiram. And so, he asked Hiram to supply his needs in order to build a fantastic temple for the Lord God. Hiram was pleased at the prospect of a healthy and profitable relationship with the new king of Israel. 

Solomon’s Wisdom and Culture 

King Solomon was perhaps the original warrior-poet. His wisdom had the unique quality of recognizing the transcendent qualities of existence. He saw the universe, not merely from the perspective of how to obtain pleasure or avoid suffering. Instead, he saw the potential for truth and goodness and beauty. And he spent his time dwelling on these.  

As a result, he used the prosperity of the nation to invest in the formation of culture. And for him, culture began with the worship of God in a manner that was commensurate with the greatness of the God of all creation. 

Wisdom and Culture 

Sometimes I feel anxiety about the state of things. Our culture has become so “scientific” that it sometimes seems as though fewer and fewer people have an interest in “faith”.

But our modern culture owns this strange paradox. On the one hand, we look for science to solve our greatest questions. And these include questions of what’s really good and really true and really beautiful. On the other, while there is scientific consensus on all sorts of issues, modern people seem to agree less and less about the actual nature of what’s good and true and beautiful.   

Of course, the natural moral law reconciles this paradox. And this is the reason that I, as an ordinary, lay, Christian person, need not fear.  

For any culture that genuinely seeks the truth will find God. But any culture that seeks to serve its own pleasure will only find confusion.  

“And foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, To love the name of the LORD, to become his servants— All who keep the sabbath without profaning it and hold fast to my covenant, Them I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Oracle of the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel— Others will I gather to them besides those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:6-8 

March 11, 2019
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