WEEK 31 – DAY 5

August 6, 2021

THE TEMPLE OF GOD

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Ephesians 2:21-22

Someday I hope to go house hunting. I’ve either lived in my parents’ home or an apartment almost all my life. My dream is to have a modest house for which I will choose the furnishings and landscaping. It will never make the cover of Better Homes and Gardens or even the back page for that matter because my taste is rather eclectic. However, it will be a reflection of my personality and my desire to create an atmosphere where friends will feel at ease. I look forward, God willing, to putting the place together a bit at a time as my budget will allow. It’s amazing to me that when God looked for a residence, he chose to inhabit His people. Talk about eclectic taste! We come in all shapes and sizes, ethnic groups, and denominations; but He has chosen to build us together into His holy temple. He has taken up permanent residence in each believer by His Holy Spirit. I am a part of the body of Christ (possibly an elbow), but I am also a stone or brick in His temple. Maybe a better analogy would be that I am one Lego™ that God is snapping together with other Legos™ to make a fantastic building. A single building block is not too impressive, but masterfully put together they are fascinating. I love that word permanent. God has chosen me as His dwelling place, and He will never move out. The Ephesians were Gentiles, but Paul was emphasizing that they were a part of God’s family, His body, and His dwelling place along with the Jewish believers. This is only possible in Christ; and in Him, I am being built together with Christians throughout history to be a dwelling place for the Spirit of God. Amazing!

Thank you, Lord, for choosing to dwell in us. Thank you for fitting us together with other Christians to be a strong building in which your Spirit can dwell and from which You can minister to the world. Help us to serve You fully and gladly each day. Daily mold us into the servants You would have us to be. Thank You for Your mercy and grace in choosing us while we were still sinners.