Did you know that ancient Jews didn’t call the temple the temple? This description was given later, but in Jesus’ day, it was simply known as “the house.” Just like people, God has a dwelling, and though His permanent residence is in Heaven, He chose a particular location in which to contain His glory in Old Testament times. This means that the Spirit of Jehovah lived at the temple, and it belonged to everyone who followed Him. It was the center of Jewish life, and it was the place where the hurting, broken, and outcast could find safety and experience His heart. This is precisely why it upset Him so much when the money changers turned it from a hospitable home into a market full of corruption. The Lord was serious about not being misrepresented by men, so He took care of business and drove the wickedness out His house. Interestingly, He does the same today, though He no longer dwells in buildings constructed by human hands. Instead, by the blood of Christ and the power of His Spirit, He has made His abode in us, and He delights in cleaning up our lives and using us to show His glory to other people. We have become His residence, and this is both a huge honor and a great responsibility.

My friend, you are your Savior’s house, and because He abides in you, you are a source of shelter and safety for others. By anchoring yourself in His love, immersing yourself in His truth, and drinking His Living Water, you offer the hurting and broken a place to belong, and this changes many lives. As you let God’s light shine through the windows of your soul, you become a source of peace and refuge amidst the upset of earthly problems.