Where God Dwells Among Us

As we walk with Jesus, we sometimes encounter the concept of sacred spaces - places where the presence of God feels more tangible, more real. But what truly makes a space sacred? Is it the architecture, the rituals, or something deeper?

The idea of sacred spaces runs deep in Scripture. From the burning bush where Moses encountered God to Mount Sinai where the Israelites received the Ten Commandments, we see instances where ordinary places became extraordinary due to God's presence. The ultimate expression of this in the Old Testament was the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and eventually the Temple in Jerusalem - the house of God, where His glory dwelt among His people.

But then came a revolutionary shift. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, redefined our understanding of sacred spaces. He declared Himself as the true temple - the place where heaven and earth meet, where the divine glory of God is perfectly revealed to the world. This wasn't just a metaphor; it was a profound reality that would change everything.

In a dramatic scene, we see Jesus entering the Temple courts, filled with righteous zeal. He fashions a whip and drives out the money changers and animal sellers, declaring, "Do not make my Father's house a house of trade." This wasn't a moment of uncontrolled rage, but a calculated action to restore the sanctity of God's dwelling place.

But why was Jesus so passionate about this? Because He understood three crucial aspects of sacred spaces:

1. They are meant to bring glory to God: The primary purpose of any truly sacred space is to ascribe to God the glory that is rightfully His. It's about recognizing and responding to His infinite value and worth.
2. They should be fountains of grace: By clearing the Temple courts, Jesus was making a powerful statement. He removed all the elements required for sacrificial rituals, leaving only Himself - the true Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Sacred spaces should point us to the freely given grace of God, not to systems of earning or buying forgiveness.
3. They must welcome outsiders: The Temple had a specific area - the Court of the Gentiles - designed to welcome non-Jewish seekers. Jesus was indignant that this space had been corrupted, impeding outsiders from experiencing the presence of God. Sacred spaces should always be hospitable to those seeking God, regardless of their background.

But here's where it gets truly mind-blowing: through Christ, we ourselves become sacred spaces. The Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). This isn't just poetic language; it's a profound spiritual reality. The same God who once dwelt in the Holy of Holies now makes His home in the hearts of believers.

This doesn't negate the importance of physical sacred spaces. Rather, it elevates our understanding of what it means to be in God's presence. When believers gather together, whether in a grand cathedral or a humble living room, that place becomes sacred because God promises to be there: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20).

So what does this mean for us today?

• First, we should cultivate a deep reverence for the presence of God in our own lives. If we are indeed temples of the Holy Spirit, how does that change the way we live, think, and interact with the world around us?
• Second, we should approach our gathering places - our churches, chapels, or community centers - with a sense of holy purpose. These aren't just buildings; they're spaces set apart for encountering God and building community. How can we ensure these places reflect God's glory, dispense His grace, and welcome all who seek Him?
• Third, we must remember that being a sacred space isn't about becoming exclusive or self-focused. Just as the Temple was meant to be a "house of prayer for all nations," our lives and our gathering places should be beacons of God's love and grace to the world around us.

Lastly, let's not forget that Jesus Himself is the ultimate sacred space. He is where we encounter God most fully, where grace flows most freely, and where all are welcomed with open arms. Our lives, our churches, and our communities should always point back to Him.

As we reflect on these truths, may we be filled with a holy zeal - not unlike Jesus in the Temple courts. May we be passionate about preserving the sanctity of the spaces where God dwells, starting with our own hearts. Might we be eager to welcome others into our lives and our church, sharing the transformative power of God's presence.

In a world that often feels chaotic and profane, we have the incredible privilege of being living, breathing sacred spaces. We carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. Let that sink in for a moment. How might this change the way you view yourself? How might it change the way you interact with others?

As we go about our daily lives, may we be ever mindful of this sacred calling. May our words, actions, and very presence bring glory to God, extend grace to others, and welcome seekers into the transformative reality of God's kingdom. For in doing so, we become living temples, sacred spaces where heaven touches earth, and where the glory of God is revealed to a world in desperate need of His presence.