The New Temple

 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalms. 99; Romans 3

“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!...May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day…Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

1 Kings 8:27, 29, 30

The construction of a physical temple in Jerusalem provided a geographic focus for Israel’s prayer, worship, and sacrifices. Even after the diaspora, Jews prayed toward Jerusalem. Later, Muslims picked up the same practice by praying toward Mecca. However, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we now have relationship with God directly through his Spirit indwelling our bodies, like temples. Prayer can become as natural as breathing and is no longer limited to a physical location.

Have we offered our life to God as a temple for him to indwell through his Spirit?

Is God free to pray, through us, his purposes and his kingdom-will?

Are we aware that, as God’s people, his eyes are always upon us?

“Lord God Almighty, I am humbled by your presence and mercy toward me. I offer my body as a temple for your Spirit. I invite communion with you through Jesus, for your glory.”