It came into play again this morning. That wonderful dynamic between that which has been recorded in the Old Testament and that which is taught in the New Testament. The old adage, “the New Testament is in the Old concealed and the Old Testament is in the New revealed” kicked in as I read David’s words to some of his leaders. Because of what has been revealed through the God-breathed writings of the apostle Paul, this conversation between a king and his cabinet some 1,000+ years earlier takes on a meaning that they could not have imagined. Check out this part of “the chat” I eavesdropped on this a.m. . . .

“David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, ‘Is not the LORD your God with you? And has He not given you peace on every side? For He has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and His people. Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.’ ” (1Chronicles 22:17-19 ESV)

What was spoken by David to his leaders about the physical construction of a dwelling place for the ark of God hit me between the eyes this morning. It was like it was spoken directly to me. How come? Because I too am part of a building program for a holy habitation for the LORD. The Old Testament concept of a physical temple built to house the glory of God is expanded in the New Testament. This Old Testament structure is a picture of a greater building in which God desires to dwell. A place that God would raise up . . . not made with brick and mortar . . . but with living stones . . . a temple made of people . . . redeemed people . . . His people. So . . . set your mind and heart to seek the LORD, Pete . . . arise and build the sanctuary of God.

Revealed in the New is the amazing reality that I, as a believer . . . as a blood-bought trophy of God’s grace . . . that I am part of the household of God . . . joined together with other believers . . . forming a living building . . . growing into a holy temple in the Lord . . . being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22). And just as the temple of ancient days was a place where offerings to God were brought, so too, as living stones being put together to form a spiritual house, this temple revealed in the New is to “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5). So . . . get your head in the game, Pete . . . set your heart on seeking the Lord . . . get to it . . . and build, by the grace of God and the work of His indwelling Spirit, this holy habitation for the God of your salvation!

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” . . . “Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” (1Cor.3:16, 10)

Arise and build, Pete! Do it carefully . . . purposefully . . . wisely. Beware of trying to build with “wood, hay, and straw.” Beware of cheap materials . . . take care not to add to the foundation that which has no substance and will not last. Instead, seek the the Lord and build with gold, silver, and precious stones . . . hold back on nothing . . . that this new, holy habitation for God might be a place where He is pleased to dwell. Leverage the best materials from the spiritual treasures made available to you that this “flesh and blood temple” might rise up to be a magnificent place of worship. That the sacrifices of praise . . . and the living sacrifices of wholly consecrated bodies . . . would rise up as a sweet smelling aroma to Him who is worthy of our best. Set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God!

Yeah . . . David thought he was talking to his leaders. In fact, the Lord is talking to me. You got to love the word of God! Amen?

Arise and build!