THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
The concept of the glory associated with the Christian temple should not be mistaken for mere notions of its lavishness or grandeur. There is indeed a blessing for Christians in the sentiment expressed by the ancient admirer of the temple: ‘Lord, I love the splendour of Thy house’ (Psalm 25:8). Fortunate is the heart that resonates with King David’s feelings when he spoke to the Prophet Nathan, saying: ‘Behold I dwell in a house of cedar, but the covenant of the Lord is under the skins.’ He felt it was inappropriate to reside in a splendid home while the house of the Lord lacked its distinctive beauty. If God has generously provided for me, I must ensure that the finest of my blessings is offered back to the Giver.
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To those who acknowledge this, I can echo the words of the Prophet: ‘Thou hast done well, because it is in thy heart’ (3 Kings 8:18). ‘All that is in thine heart thou shalt do, because the Lord is with thee’ (1 Chron. 17:2). However, if anyone believes that through his generous contributions to God’s temple he has brought glory to himself, I would remind him of the message from Haggai the Prophet: ‘My silver, and my gold, saith the Lord Almighty’ (Haggai 2:9). You have not enriched God or elevated His temple; rather, He has given you the offerings you present and the inspiration to dedicate them. Therefore, give thanks to Him, delight in His presence, and honor Him, but remember to maintain humility within yourself. Only the Lord Almighty possesses the power and authority to fill the temple with His glory.
The concept of the glory of the Christian sanctuary should not be mistaken for its outward beauty and grandeur. The ancient admirer of the temple expressed a similar sentiment: ‘Lord, I love the splendour of Thy house’ (Psalm 25:8). It is a blessing for the spirit that resonates with the heart of David, who conveyed to the Prophet Nathan: ‘Behold I dwell in the house of cedar, and the covenant of the Lord is under the skins’ (1 Chronicles 17:1). He found it disgraceful to reside in a magnificent home while the house of God lacked its distinctive beauty; if God has graced me with abundance, it is only fitting that the finest of it should be offered back to the Giver.
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To the one who contemplates this, I would echo the words of the Prophet: ‘Thou hast done well, because it is in thy heart’ (1 Kings 8:18). ‘All that is in thine heart thou shalt do, because the Lord is with thee’ (1 Chronicles 17:2).