Presence

Presence.  The presence of God.  Where does God dwell?

I was answering the question in the back of the book, The Story.  I am on the chapter where the Israelites are led back from captivity to rebuild the temple of the Lord.  Honestly, as I sat working through the questions this morning I was completely uninterested and uninspired by any of it.  I felt like nothing had meaning or purpose (God always has a purpose I know, but it certainly felt void of reason for the time being).  Do you ever have those times with God that feel like you are just not reaching Him, and Him you?  Well it was one of those times.....and then God.....

I got to the last 2 questions.  The first one:  "The Jews returned home to rebuild the temple, the dwelling place of God on earth.  Why was it important for them to do this?"  Of course, the most obvious answers came to mind..."they needed a place to worship, to come into God's presence, to meet with Him, offer sacrifice..."  As I said very uninspired, nothing deep and mysterious or awe provoking is coming out of my mind today.....but then the next question:  "Where does God dwell on earth today?"  Again, the obvious answer...."In me and all His children, the church."

But then God!  God opens up my mind to a fascinating truth.  And maybe it's a little simple, but it's something that never really seem to hit me before this.  The Israelites built a temple so that they could come into the presence of God, to worship and offer sacrifices.  We are the temple of God to bring His presence to the world, to live lives of worship and offer them as a sacrifice to Him.  In one instance, the people came to God, in the other the people bring God to the world. I am not to just keep God in church, but to be His living temple, bringing Him to wherever I go, wherever I am at the moment.  We are walking temples !!  We bring the presence of the Lord with us, to work, to the store, in our homes, everywhere.

2 Cor 2:15  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.  To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things. 

Matt 5:16  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matt 5:14  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Bringing the presence of the Lord with us.  Into every thing we do, every where we travel.  Letting Him shine through.  Letting His glory be seen.  Oh, that my life would reflect that very principle, that very essence of His presence.  Lord, help me.  I want to be that living, walking temple.  I want people to see that You live in me.  Truly, "who is sufficient for these things?"  But through Christ, I can do all things.