Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV)
The LPGA locker room provides a safe, protected respite from the heat of the sun, the intensity of competition, and energetic fans. Only players and properly credentialed people gain entrance into this inner sanctuary within the clubhouse. During my playing days, I found rest and renewal within this protected space.
The instructions Moses received for building the Tabernacle included an inner sanctuary for God’s presence to dwell among his people. Access to this room was limited to the High Priest and only once a year. The hearts of the people would fill with trepidation when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, wondering if he would come out alive.
The Egyptians also fashioned magnificent temples for Pharaoh and the countless deities they worshipped. These structures were built long before the tabernacle or the temple in Jerusalem. I have walked through these temples that include a people’s court (temenos), followed by the priest’s court (pronaos), and then the smaller inner sanctuary or most holy place (naos).
After 400 years of witnessing the worship of hundreds of false gods in temples, God used a familiar layout in his own house of worship for his people. The Egyptians bowed down to lifeless images in their inner sanctuaries hoping for fertility, power, and order, while the living God provided for the Israelites’ needs, guided their steps, and brought his presence to them. God’s inner sanctuary, the naos, offered life.
During this ancient time, God still required sacrifices and burnt offerings, but when Jesus showed up on the scene, everything changed. His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection gave full access to the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary. God’s presence no longer hid behind the veil, which was torn upon the death of Jesus. Thereafter—and now—God lives within our hearts.
In today’s passage, the Greek word Paul uses for “temple” is naos. We are the inner sanctuary where God lives and we are his most favorite place to be.
Today I pray you will be mindful and rest in the truth that you are worth Jesus to God. You are his naos.
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Tracy Hanson
November 5, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.