August 31, 2022
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Created in God’s image, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It is fascinating to compare features of our bodies with aspects and functions of the temple building.
Compare our skin to the walls and curtains of the sanctuary which protected the holy places inside. The tabernacle’s roof was even made of animal skins (Exodus 26:14). Our skin protects us from harm – even harm we know nothing of.
Without our bones, we would be shapeless and without support. The bars, posts, and framing likewise support the soft materials used in the construction of the tabernacle.
The altar of sacrifice is where animals were sacrificed and consumed in the fire. Our digestive system consumes food where it is burned (metabolized) to produce energy. Only clean animals were consumed in the sanctuary. This distinction is maintained throughout Scripture. Compare Exodus 15:26 & Psalm 105:37. The apostle Peter said, “I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” (Acts 10:14)
Our circulatory systems have a continuous cleansing effect throughout our bodies. Without its proper function, we would quickly die. The laver of washing represents the cleansing which is essential in the life of the Lord’s followers.
The gift of our vision corresponds to the seven-branch candlestick, which was the only illumination inside the temple. Jesus said, “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22-23a
God’s throne—the Control Center of the universe—is represented by the ark of the covenant, kept in the Most Holy Place of the temple. His law is inside of the ark. Our thoughts and feelings are likened to the “control center” of our life and have a way of dominating our decisions and all plan-making. Our minds and hearts must be fully submitted to the will of God. You shall love the LORD with all of your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. . . casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Deuteronomy 6:5-6; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Psalm 119:11)
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
“I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.” Hebrews 10:16b