Our Identity in ChristSample

X-Marks the Spot

God, with a great desire to dwell with man, designed a place, “The Tabernacle” or “The Tent of Meeting”. Within this tent of skin, the glory of God abided with man. We know what came next! Christ, Emmanuel, God “with” us. And because of His crucifixion and resurrection, “God with us” now has become “God in us”! 

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16-17)

The place where heaven meets earth and where divinity meets humanity is now you and me. The call is that Christ would dwell in us fully (Eph.3:17).The tabernacle was a shadow of the believer. This means we carry the fullness of His healing power within and through us, His Spirit draws and reconciles man to God! It is both humbling and awe-inspiring that God would allow us to be this. It is a testimony of the extent of God’s mercy.

But friend, if you’re like me, when you read this you may think of all your inadequacies. Take heart, for when God called us, He did not do so without knowing our shortcomings. In fact, in Exodus 30:16 God made provisions for temple repairs. God chose not to use materials that were infallible. But rather God desired the worth of the tabernacle to be derived from what resided within it, His Presence!

In 2nd Corinthians 4:7, Paul declares, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” This temple (your spirit, your soul, your psyche) can suffer damage from time to time. Disappointments, grief, and more can create rips and tears in this tabernacle of flesh. God surely knew this and as was with the temple, none of these things disqualified. Rather God commanded the Levites to restore the temple. 

Know that God can bring beauty from ashes! Know that you are the ‘X’ that marks the spot.

 

Life Application

What are the needs surrounding this temple called you? With confidence stretch out your hand and trust God to work through you for the healing for your neighbor. Watch a miracle!

 

Prayer

Lord, here is this clay of earth that carries your glory. Restore my shattered dreams! I lay myself bare before you so that you can use me.