Good Morning Friends,
Building a purposeful life matters for Christians, especially when we live with eternity in mind. Solomon understood this in his own way. In his day, the Temple needed to be built, and it defined his kingship. In Jesus’ day, another rebuilding was needed, not of stone, but of hearts. Herod, caught up in power and self‑interest, still wondered who Jesus was. And that remains our question too. Even Solomon knew you cannot keep God in a box. So, Do You Have Some Questions About Who Jesus Is And His Purpose For The Temple In Your Life?
Scripture: Herod heard about Jesus’ works and was confused—some said John had risen, others said Elijah or an ancient prophet. Herod knew he had killed John, so he asked, “Who is this?” and tried to see Jesus.
Luke 9:7–9 (NRSV)
Solomon reflects that human striving is fleeting. Generations come and go, nature repeats its cycles, and nothing seems truly new. Life feels circular and weary unless anchored in something beyond ourselves.
Ecclesiastes 1:2–11 (NRSV)
Message: The Church often debates whether honoring God means building beautiful sanctuaries or serving the poor. But Scripture never pits loving God against loving neighbor. Both matter, God first, but never without the other. Today many magnificent churches sit empty, revealing a deeper issue: What truly glorifies God? Herod’s question:“Who is this Jesus?” is the question that shapes our answer. Jesus came to rebuild the Temple within us. C. S. Lewis reminds us that Jesus cannot be reduced to a mere moral teacher; He is either Lord or something far less. Christianity has endured because Jesus, fully God and fully man, inspires the highest virtue and deepest devotion.
And so, we must ask: Who is Jesus to us? What is He building in us? Christ often taught through questions—not to test theology, but to reveal our persistence, commitment, love, and faith. His questions invite us into relationships, not mere knowledge. As we seek Him, He forms a temple in our hearts where worship and service meet.
Solomon built a magnificent Temple, yet he knew God was not confined to it. Today God dwells in believers. If our focus is only on buildings, we miss the point. Without purpose, life feels like Solomon’s endless cycles. But God gives purpose through relationship…through accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, through Scripture, prayer, and daily trust.
Pray we build God’s house within us with our time, talents, and treasures. Pray we invest in God’s purposes now, not in vanity. Pray we stay focused on Jesus and contemplate His person and mission. Pray we see that Jesus, fully God and fully man, cannot be dismissed as a liar or lunatic. Pray that our worship reflects God’s presence in us and reveals Christ’s beauty to others. Pray the question of love is answered in our lives through a relationship with Jesus. Pray we embrace a purposeful life that is not all vanity.
Blessings,
John Lawson
