Day 300 of 365
LIVING TEMPLE
Peter, whose name means "rock" (Jn 1:42), reminded his readers that God sent Jesus to build a spiritual temple. During the reigns of King David and his heir Solomon, God arranged for a physical structure to be built where his presence would dwell. Now, because of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all believers comprise God's temple. His presence lives in people all over the world, not just in one building made of stone.
The ancient temple was spectacular in design and detail. The church - the community of believers in Jesus - is equally beautiful. Men and women who are alive in Christ gather to worship God, to proclaim and practice his Word, mobilizing to carry the gospel to those who do not yet believe in Jesus.
In ancient construction, the first stone set in place was called the cornerstone, and all subsequent work was built upon this key foundational element. Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, precious to those who believe. He is first in importance and the source of the church's power, direction and purpose. He is a strong foundation - those who build their lives on the rock of Christ will endure (Mt 7:24 - 29).
Jesus, thank you for giving me the honor of being a part of your living temple. Help me to live in constant awareness of this responsibility. Amen.
1 Peter 2:4-7 NASB
4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: "B ehold , I lay in Z ion a choice stone , a precious corner stone, A nd he who believes in H im will not be disappointed ." 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
Matthew 7:24-29 NASB
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell-and great was its fall."
28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
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