Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17.

In our chapter, 2 Chronicles 4, So Huram finished the work he had undertaken for King Solomon in the temple of God. v. 11. The temple was finished and I can’t help but wonder what the people felt as they drew near in pilgrimage or if they lived near enough to see it every day. What are we to learn today? The temple that stood in ancient Israel is no more. Churches today are dwindling in number and smaller congregations are needing to make difficult decisions to figure out what they will do to accommodate changes necessitated by aging members. Do we join with others who may not worship exactly as we do? Are we open to being led by God as we worship Him? Do we trust God?

I keep thinking about this life we each of us live in whatever age we are born into. I’m beginning to appreciate that this life we live is the proving ground we each of us have chosen. What are we learning? I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:6-7.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8.

Jesus came to this earth to live among us to show us how to love the Father and one another…and to put His trust completely in the Father. He was turned to the Father and was led by the Spirit. Have we ever done that? And the message is the same…He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8.

The temple was beautiful. Cathedrals today are beautiful. What about our hearts? Are they beautiful to our God; how about to each other? Are we turned away from Him preferring to live our way? What if His way is better? Judge for yourself. See this world today. Really listen and look. Can you hear God for all the hate, the noise and distraction? God is patient. He respects our choice. We live with the results of the choices we and others make. Over and over and over throughout the ages of mankind. One day we will stand before our Creator of all that is. Our lives are the proving ground of all we will have learned up to that point for good and for awful. Can you stop and imagine what we will learn with Him? It is finished. No more anger, hate, revenge, cruelty. All of that will pass away.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29. The promise of our Creator God. Take His hand. He’s here, always. Learn from Him and never walk alone in the blindness of this world. God loves you.