Olson: the temple of God

Thursday, September 19, 2019
    Commemoration of Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690
Meditation:
    [Jesus:] “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
    —John 4:23-24 (NIV)
Quotation:
    A temple may be defined as an edifice dedicated to the worship of a deity. Whether this deity be true or false, the temple as such becomes a meeting-place for people who desire to worship as they understand it. For the ancient Hebrews, the Temple in Jerusalem was the house of God, the place where God dwelt symbolically, and met with people who came to worship. Jesus called it “My Father’s house.” For the Christian, the word ‘church’ has become the symbol for the edifice built and dedicated for the worship of God. But unless it is so dedicated and so used, it may be considered only a mere building or club-house. However beautiful its design and architecture, a church is a true temple only as it is frequented by God’s people who come to “worship Him in spirit and in truth,” and who there hold forth “the word of life.” [Continued tomorrow]
    ... Milford C. Olson
    See also John 4:23-24; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 John 1:1
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, Your people shine like stars. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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