Today we are with Solomon, having just finished the huge task of building the Temple, a dwelling place for the Lord Almighty.
"The Lord said to him: I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there for ever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." 1 Kings 9:3 [NIV]
When the temple was complete and sacrifices offered the Lord's presence filled the temple; "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the lord filled it." 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 [NIV]
God no longer dwells on earth in the same way. Jesus came and radically changed everything. His sacrifice, once for all, restored the relationship between God and his people. We now have the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, our connection with God; God in us. Jesus said to his disciples, "On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." John 14:20. This is realised through the Spirit dwelling within us.
So, the place where God now dwells on earth is within each of us. We are each a living stone in the living temple of God. It is through us that the presence of God is now seen in the world. What a privilege! What a responsibility!
Today's prayer; Father, through your presence within me, inspire me and enable me to love you with all that I am and to love my neighbour as myself. Use me as you will to reveal yourself to the world.
Amen
Mike Iredale
Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 15:11-20, 1 Kings 8:22-9:9, Acts 14:8-28
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