Day 11 | Temple of the Holy Spirit – Definition
Read Hebrews 9
As relational beings, we demonstrate love through the simple act of presence. God set this example first when He created us to be with Him, sharing His infinite love. He has desired our presence from the beginning (see Genesis 1), and Scripture is the story of how God pursues us throughout eternity (see Revelation 22). Let’s look at each unfolding scene in God’s story and observe the thread of “presence” weaving from beginning to end:
Scene 1: The curtain rises in the Garden of Eden, which God created for the purpose of dwelling relationally with humanity (see Genesis 1). He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden, sharing in fellowship. However, as a result of their rebellion, they were removed from Eden. One sin separated humanity from God—but hallelujah, God’s love doesn’t quit! Scene 2: This scene unfolds in the desert, where God’s people wandered after escaping slavery in Egypt. God desired their presence, so He instructed Moses to build a tabernacle—a mobile tent where His presence rested (see Exodus 40:34–35). Scene 3: King Solomon completed a permanent temple in the Promised Land, where God dwelt with His people (see 1 Kings 8:10–13). Although God was with them, they didn’t desire to obey Him. Their rebellion resulted in the temple’s destruction. With no temple, how could God dwell with His people? Scene 4: Centuries of God’s silence passed before the long-awaited main character Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). In that verse, the word for “dwelt” could also be translated as “tabernacled.” God desires to be with us so strongly He sent His son to be the Savior of the world and restore the relationship that was broken in Eden (see 1 John 4:14). Scene 5: This scene began after Jesus ascended to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within His people (see John 14:16–17). We still find ourselves in this scene today.
As God’s child, you have constant access to our Almighty God because you are now the temple where He resides! You are experiencing an honor heroes of the faith couldn’t have imagined a few millennia ago.
Pray, giving praises to God, whose presence actively resides in you.