the ruminations of aaron eberline

Why did Solomon build such an amazing Temple? Why are we given such details about the actual Temple building and all of the fixtures within the Temple? Does God look at the physical building when people gather to worship him or does He look upon the motives of the people who are gathering to worship Him? What do you think God cares about? The question of how we worship God is nothing new because we are always trying to obtain a direct, tangible, and concrete definition of what faith in God truly looks like. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” Hebrews 11:1,2 In Hebrews we are told that the men of old gained approval by faith and a long list of noteworthy people of renown are listed. So why did Solomon build this temple for the Lord? What does worship look like? What is expressed in worship? Read more

How are we to view leadership? How were Saul and David as leaders over Israel? In 2 Samuel 5 David was finally anointed king over all of Israel and in 2 Samuel 5:2 the people say to David that “when Saul was king over  us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’ ”  While Saul was sitting upon the throne of Israel it was David who was among the people helping and leading them. It is amazing to think that David who was a shepherd of his fathers flocks of sheep was using the same skills as he shepherded the people of Israel. Read more

As I read about the laws that God’s commanded the Israelites to follow it becomes a little bit overwhelming. In the first half of Deuteronomy 21 we find out what happens when a man is found struck dead in the middle of nowhere. It never crossed my mind to wonder what happens in this instance. I find it interesting that the city that is closest to the body is the one who makes atonement for the innocent blood that was shed. All of the necessary sacrifice is overwhelming to think about and it makes me thankful for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Did the people of Israel long for a better way? I wonder if prophets were already foretelling of a coming Messiah. Read more