June 22, 2004

THE TEMPLE

"I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22, NIV).

Ron Hembree has observed that "it would be hard to imagine a city without a church... It is almost unthinkable to see a skyline without a steeple."--Rehearsal for Heaven, p. 96. Unthinkable as it may appear, that is exactly how it's going to be in the New Jerusalem. John the beloved tells us why: "Because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22, NIV).

In heaven, our wonderful Saviour will be the temple. What an unusual and marvelous title! This side of heaven, temples and churches are transitory. Ever since God said to Moses, "Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8), He has been preparing His people for the real thing. When Eden lost becomes Eden restored, God Himself will be the place as well as the object of worship. In the final restoration, the redeemed will have no need for a temple because Christ Himself will be the temple. Now we worship in a temple, then we shall worship the temple Himself.

That's why the Revelator saw no temple and no steeple adorning the skyline of the great heavenly metropolis. Jesus, our wonderful Redeemer-God, will be the living temple. Then these words will be fulfilled: "The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son... Then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence, and behold the glory of His countenance."--The Great Controversy, p. 676.

My Prayer Today: Lord, prepare me for the day when I shall see You as the real temple and worship You forever. Amen.