Fill the Temple - Devotional by Julie Cosgrove

“Then the glory of the Lord rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord.” Ezekiel 10:4

Can you picture what Ezekiel describes? It’s hard to because none of us have seen the temple built by Solomon. It no longer exists.

The people in exile in Babylon, where Ezekiel wrote this prophecy, might have seen it. If they didn’t they probably heard about it from their elders. It was where God dwelled in the Holy of Holies, behind a thick curtain. No one except the high priest was allowed behind this veil, but the people believed somehow, someway God dwelled there amongst them. Then it was destroyed. Ezekiel’s description of God’s future return to a newly restored temple gave the exiled people hope.

Today, the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer and we are the temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” We carry God with us wherever we go. That seems fairly daunting to me. When people see me, do they get a glimpse of God’s love?

To be honest, most of the time I don’t feel full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord. I feel inadequate, bumbling, and way too human. But like the ancient Hebrews, I believe God does exist “behind the curtain”. Even during those times I cannot detect him, God still dwells with and in me. The more I choose to empty myself, the more he can fill me with his loving nature.

How about you? Has God filled your temple? He wants to, you know. Whisk open the curtain and let him in.

Father God, help me to empty myself of all the things that do not honor you. Empty me of any hurt, anger, jealousies, and negative thoughts. Then fill me instead with your Spirit so others can witness you in my life. Through your Son, my Savior, I pray this. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission