I HAVE LOVED THE HABITATION OF THY HOUSE

The divine example is, “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”, Eph. 5. 25. If there is true affection towards an object, this will dominate one’s life. Spasmodic interest proves that there is no real affection.

In David’s case, he had to learn the hard way, through deep exercise and repentance. His deep love for Bathsheba led to serious crime. David had to repent with the words of Psalm 51 before he could enter the house of the Lord to worship, 2 Sam. 12. 20. Psalm 26 then shows the necessary state of his mind and heart that enabled him to love God’s habitation. He could speak of his integrity, v. 1, and of washing his hands in innocency, v. 6, so great was his appreciation of divine forgiveness. He would then love the habitation of God, seeking there “the beauty of the Lord”, Psa. 27. 4.

The altar, to be encompassed, was approached on its east side through the gate of the court; the offering was killed on the north side, v. 11; it was washed on the west side (the side of the laver); it was placed on the altar on its south side (according to Jewish tradition), and finally the ashes were poured out on the east side, v. 16. We too compass our altar, as we gaze upon every aspect of the cross of Christ; else formality spoils our affection for the One who first loved us.

Love for Christ will yield love for His people. For now the house of God is the church of the living God, 1 Tim. 3. 15. This is “a spiritual house”, a place for the offering up of “spiritual sacrifices”, 1 Pet. 2. 5. In fact, here are the saints, forgiven and so beloved by Himself, gathered together in the Lord’s Name. As we love the Lord, so we should be free to love what He loves. Hence we must love the church; this love described in 1 Corinthians 13 is in the context of the local church, in the context of service, of gifts, of edification, of the gatherings of the Lord’s people.

David’s love developed to the end of his life, when he was preparing the materials for Solomon to build the temple after him. He said, “I have set my affection to the house of my God”, 1 Chron. 29. 3. Through love, he thus gave abundantly.

“Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice”, Eph. 5. 2.