March 19 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Do you like being in a place where God is worshipped and adored? Why is that important to you? In Psalm 27 David speaks of the one thing he desired of the LORD; it is high on his mind and he actively pursues it. He wants to be in the house of the LORD all the days of his life. Obviously, David is looking for more than a guided tour. In the house of God he admires the beauty of God's work of salvation. He asks the Lord for direction. The temple is the centre where the Lord’s grace, unfailing love and faithfulness are on display. The sacrifices speak of forgiveness, reconciliation and the restoration of the relation between the Lord and His people. The Ark of the Covenant is a visible sign of the Lord dwelling with His people. The beauty of God’s house foreshadowed the coming of Christ who would set His people free from the burden and ugliness of sin.

On countless occasions Israel failed to understand that the beauty of the Lord in the temple was to direct them to their only Saviour Jesus Christ. Some rather ugly things happened in the temple. There were times when Israel was admonished for putting their trust in the temple rather than in God. Sometimes they would mix the service of the LORD with pagan rituals and practices, discolouring and putting a dark stain on the beauty of God’s service. They weren’t always that eager to inquire of the Lord or seek His face.

You and I are privileged to worship the Lord in the beauty and splendour of His holiness (Psalm 96:9). God’s beauty is no longer restricted to a temple in Jerusalem but is found wherever the ministry of reconciliation is preached faithfully. We see the beauty of God’s work as He restores what was torn apart by sin. We, who were hostile to God, are brought into a relationship of friendliness through the sacrifice of Christ’s blood. We behold the beauty of the Lord in the ugliness of the cross.

The place where God’s people meet today does not match the splendour of the Old Testament temple. Yet, wherever the gospel of Christ is preached faithfully, you will find beauty like no other. You will find answers to life’s questions. Therefore, seek the Lord where He is to be found. Take a good look at the beauty of Sunday worship. You cannot behold God's beauty if you do not look. You cannot know the Lord’s will if you don’t inquire.