Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

1 Peter 2:4-5

A Spiritual House

Judaism was centered around the temple in Jerusalem, which under the old covenant was exactly as it should be.  During their exile, the Jews developed synagogues to meet locally, but the temple remained the focal point of worship as Jews gathered there for the festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.  And according to the Law, the temple was the only place allowed for sacrifices, a major part of Jewish worship.

That was then.  The temple and the sacrifices were types which foreshadowed the good things which were to come with Christ Jesus (Hebrews 10:1).  Indeed, after his death, resurrection, and ascension, the temple itself was swept away by the Romans in A.D. 70 and has never been rebuilt nor have the sacrifices resumed, all foretold by Jesus (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). 

And why is this?  Because God was going to build a new temple of which the first was a mere copy.  And this temple would be made not of stones which composed the first temple, massive though they were, but of those born again of the imperishable seed, and all of them built upon a stone that can never be moved: The Living Stone and Cornerstone, Jesus Christ.  This temple is the fulfillment of the first, to which the first pointed.

But let us think on the stones.  These are stones because they come to the Living Stone, which though rejected by men is chosen and precious to God—and to us.  And having come to this Living Stone, we are built up in him as a living temple not made with hands but by the will of God.  In contrast to the old temple, this temple is alive!  And though many, it is one temple, for each stone is enlivened by the one Living Stone. 

And what is the task of these stones: “To be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”  Every believer is a priest offering sacrifices of praise, service, and if need be, our very bodies for his glory (Romans 12:1-2).  And we are priests to one another by praying for one another, interceding, and encouraging one another.  And the local church is a microcosm of this great spiritual house.

We must always remember that this temple stands because of the Living Stone.  So let is cling to him, be at peace with one another, and fulfill our priestly service on behalf of one another and the world.

Author: The Reformed Baptist

My name is Stephen Taylor, ordained Baptist minister of eighteen years pastoral experience with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Better than that, I am married to a godly woman, Karla, who has been very patient with me since 1989. I have two daughters, both of whom I homeschooled for extended periods of time, who became godly young women, and who ran off and married godly young men, all of which is very proper. The oldest daughter has even seen fit to bless me with a grandson and a granddaughter, and my youngest daughter with a grandson, all three of whom are bundles of exceeding joy. As you can see, I am quite blessed. This website is dedicated to helping people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of writing that the Lord has given to me. It is specifically about helping His people grow in godliness, the theme you see repeated above. I write devotions with this aim and hope that they might be of some help to God’s people. Full disclosure: I am of a Reformed bent, meaning that my understanding of Scripture is primarily informed by the Reformers and their successors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, as a student of church history and theology, I strive to remain true to that teaching handed down once for all unto the saints through every age of the Church. I like to think of myself as a “catholic” Christian, as the Reformers thought of themselves. At any rate, feel free to read, pray, and contact me if you wish, or correct me if need be. As you can see, I tend to follow the church year. Of course, I make no special claims about these devotions. I know very well that others have written better and plumbed the depths of God’s word with greater insight. But if my musings help someone draw closer to the Lord, well then, I have my reward. Blessings to you and may the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speak to you that word which He knows you especially need to hear. Grace & peace, Stephen Taylor

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