Coming to Life: 30-Day DevotionalNäide

A House for God

David longed to build a house for God, but it was Solomon who constructed the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was magnificent, filled with gold and glory, but even Solomon recognized its limitation: “Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven cannot contain you.”

The temple was a symbol of God’s presence with His people, the place of sacrifice and worship. Yet it also pointed forward to something greater. Jesus identified Himself as the true temple when He declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He was speaking of His body, the dwelling of God among humanity.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus replaced the temple as the meeting place between God and man. No longer confined to a building, God’s presence is now with His people through the Spirit. Paul later writes that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.

The vision in Revelation completes this arc: in the new creation, there will be no temple, “for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.” The dwelling of God will be fully with His people, not in a building but in perfect presence.

From Solomon’s temple to Christ’s body to the eternal city, the story of the temple reveals God’s desire to dwell with His people. It reminds us that our worship is not about a place but about a Person — Jesus, the true meeting place of heaven and earth.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for you personally that God’s Spirit dwells within you as His temple?
2. How does knowing Jesus is the true temple shape the way you think about worship?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are not confined to buildings made by hands. Thank You for Jesus, the true temple, and for the gift of Your Spirit who dwells in me. Help me to worship You in Spirit and truth, and to long for the day when Your presence will fill all creation. Amen.