"Temples Built by Human Hands"

2 Kings 25: 1-17


In today’s reading we learn about the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of Solomon’s temple at the hands of the Babylonians.  Solomon’s temple was completed around 960 BC and destroyed in 586 BC (some scholars would say 587 BC).  Rebuilding of the temple began in 536 BC with completion in 516 BC (see the book of Ezra).  This second temple was the one we read about during Jesus ministry on earth.  In Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus prophesies the destruction of this temple:  Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.  “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”  This prophesy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed the temple in AD 70. 


Man has lived hundreds of years without a temple in Jerusalem.  But in Acts 17: 24 Paul tells us “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.”  In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul states a truth with a question:  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”


With Advent right around the corner it is good to be reminded that Jesus came in the flesh to reside with man and to ultimately save us from our sins.  The term Immanuel means “God with us”.  Earthly temples may be destroyed but our God lives forever, gifting us with the Holy Spirit and making our bodies a “temple” for His presence.


Thank-you Lord for choosing us.  Thank-you for not relying on an earthly structure, but rather seeking to reside with us and in fact, within us through the gift of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.