A House of Prayer for all nations

Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. Isaiah 56.7

During the inauguration of the Temple, Solomon made one of the longest and most beautiful prayers written in the Holy Scripture. He praised God for His faithfulness in keeping His covenant and mercy with those who are sincere to Him and keep His ways and laws. He acknowledged that not even the Universe, in all its greatness and fullness, would be enough to contain the glory of the Lord, much less the Temple he built.

This is easy to understand: a structure, no matter how magnificent it may be, will never be greater than the one who created it. Science describes the Universe as being infinite, but they cannot explain exactly how it continues to expand. The truth is that only the Creator of all things visible and invisible is truly INFINITE! Heaven is the throne of the Almighty, but He dwells with those who have a contrite and humble spirit Isaiah 57.15.

The intent of the Eternal has always been to dwell with His people, to live among them and be glorified by them. When the Lord Jesus came to this world, it was God Himself who physically came to dwell with His people. This is why He was called God Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”.

He entered the Temple and said: My house shall be called a House of Prayer… Matthew 21.13

The Lord Jesus honored that Holy Place and did not allow it to be desecrated. There stood the Altar of Sacrifice, which represented Jesus Himself. Solomon mentioned the Altar in his prayer. He asked God to answer all those who prayed towards the Temple. Even foreigners, who did not belong to the nation of Israel, would have their prayers answered when they prayed fervently towards the House of Prayer.

In fact, the Temple was the Altar of God on Earth. This was a place where sacrifices, which represented the highest expression of faith, were offered and accepted by Him. The assurance of the God’s response to any of situation of danger and calamity that Israel faced would come from here. In this place, they would witness deliverance and protection. For this reason, when King Jehoshaphat was in danger because a great army threatened to come up against him, he gathered all of Judah in the House of the Lord to ask for help 2 Chronicles 20.9.

The Temple was so holy that God Himself said His name would be there forever (2 Chronicles 7.16). In order for us to own a property, our name must appear on the deed. So, by putting His Name in the Temple, the Lord God took it for Himself, as His sanctuary on Earth. This shows how pleased He was to have this dwelling as a Place of worship and adoration to His Name.

It is wonderful to know that this magnificent Place was not restricted to the nation of Israel. Instead, it was open to all the nations of the Earth. The Almighty God wants to be glorified by all the people and nations of this world. Again, His glory is not restricted and limited to only one nation, but to all who call upon Him wholeheartedly.

We have announced to everyone, including the authorities of our country, that the Temple we are about to inaugurate will be open to all the nations of this world. Everyone, regardless of culture, ethnicity, religion or social class, may enter this House of Prayer and seek the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and be saved and blessed by Him. The glory of the Most High will be seen in this Place and everyone will know Him and see His greatness and majesty.

I think that what is about to happen is so extraordinary that our minds have yet been able to fully understand. This passage will be fulfilled: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2.9