Real Hope: The TempleSample

God’s Dwelling Place

Growing up, I remember my dad having a special hat. It was a vintage planter’s hat, and it was precious to him. Whenever it wasn’t on his head it rested very securely on a specific hook within the hat stand and out of reach from young hands. It was his and out of bounds for all others. Do you have something similar or recall such a story from your past? Something that is of significant value that’s special to you?

In the Old Testament, the Bible describes the tabernacle and later the temple as special places of deep significance to the people of Israel. The temple was a holy place. It was set apart from its surroundings and functioned as a gateway between heaven and earth. A place where God would dwell to meet His people and a place where people could come to seek God.

In the New Testament, you and I are described as temples of the Holy Spirit. Stop and ponder that statement for a few minutes. It means that our bodies can house the Spirit of God. Similar to the Old Testament temple, when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we become gateways between heaven and earth. Our lives should reflect Christ to those around us, and others should be able to come to us in order to experience the love, healing, and teaching of our Saviour.

On this day, be reminded that you are special, that you are set apart, and that God Himself dwells within you! ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’ 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV).

Written by DRUVI PERERA

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and delve deeper into our conversation about The Temple. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.