1 Peter 2:5
“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.”
We are the church. Another description is that we are the Body of Christ. We are the individual members that are put together to form a functioning body. Today’s passage describes us as a spiritual house where sacrifices are performed. It almost sounds like the tabernacle or the temple.
The temple was where God would meet His people. It was the place where He dwelt. In the days before Solomon, it was a tent. In the wilderness wanderings, the people could see the cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night. At times they would see the illuminated glory of God.
Ever since the fall in the Garden, God has been seeking to reconcile with people. Immediately after the fall, they were naked and ashamed. God attempted to soothe that shame by making clothes for them. The sacrifices were another attempt for reconciliation. Part of the process is our saying sorry and performing a sacrifice to address sins. The temple was the place where God and people can meet.
We are described as living stones, building material for the temple. This progresses beyond the physical temple. It’s like we become little temples where God dwells. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” God’s dream to have a people that He can love and love Him is realized. And so, we are to live our lives. Walking in harmony with Christ.
We are to be witnesses for Christ. The temple is the place where God meets His people. We are little temples and God lives in us. By interacting with people, we become places where they can meet God. We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt makes people thirsty. Thirsty for more of God. Light illuminates. They are to learn of God and sense Him through us.
This a beautiful story woven throughout history. Lord, thank You that You live in us and that You want to reach others through us. Thank You that we are houses where You reside. Let us be a welcome meeting place for those that don’t know You.
This a beautiful story woven throughout history. Lord, thank You that You live in us and that You want to reach others through us. Thank You that we are houses where You reside. Let us be a welcome meeting place for those that don’t know You.