Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
In the Old Testament, we read about the rules of the Temple. What sacrifices were acceptable, how they were to be offered, who could enter, and what they should wear. God's presence resided in the Temple, and purity was required. Those things with a blemish could not enter.
Jesus, the blameless lamb, removed the need for ritual sacrifice. In sending the Holy Spirit, God's presence takes residence in people, not a place. We should be awestruck when we pause to consider the God of creation, and deliverance is at this very moment dwelling within us. Why would God choose to dwell within us? There's no other reason than this, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV
Almighty God, maker of all creation, we thank you for your tremendous love in sending your righteous Son to atone for our sin. In that same love, you share your Spirit with us. Gone is the need to offer animal sacrifice because you come to dwell within us when we accept you. We stand humbled and in awe by these great gifts. May we constantly remember your love and respond to your grace with praise and worship. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
