Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
When Solomon built the temple, he intended it to be a permanent dwelling place for the Lord. It also became the focal point where the people could come together and worship. This temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, rebuilt by Zerubbabel, and enlarged by King Herod. In 70 AD the Romans converged on Jerusalem and demolished the temple one final time.
Nearly fifteen years prior to the temple’s destruction, Paul told the Corinthians, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” What a stunning out-of-the box revelation that must have been to the people. God’s Presence wasn’t limited to the man-made structure on the temple mount. They carried His Presence within them.
Their first clue that worship was changing should have been realized the day Jesus was crucified. First, He became the ultimate sacrifice, so the people would no longer be required to bring lambs, goats, and bulls to the priests for atonement sacrifices. Second, the veil that separated man from the Presence of God was torn—top to bottom. Jesus brought God’s Presence to a whole new level!
His Presence is no longer captured in a manmade stone structure. Instead, He dwells in a human temple, and we transport Him throughout the world. The veil is lifted and we have become a reflection of the Lord’s glory. And, the entire world benefits because where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. I find that thought extremely freeing—don’t you?
- How does the fact that you carry God’s Presence everywhere you go affect your behavior? How are you a reflection of His glory?
- How will your relationship with the Lord be different after this week’s quest?
Feel free to post you thoughts and insights.