Read: Numbers 9:15-23
On two separate occasions I have been able to visit the historic and world famous Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, also known as “Our Lady of Paris.” As video and pictures of this iconic cathedral on fire were filling our screens this week, I had to think of how much this place of worship has been through since its original construction in 1260 A.D. It had been through the French Revolution when it was damaged and partly destroyed. It was the site of Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor of France in 1804. It has seen the funerals of many past French presidents. It had been through World War 2. Needless to say much has happened in the past hundreds of years since it was built.
In Numbers 9 the Bible tells of the Tabernacle the Israelites worshiped at during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Each time God led them to a new place on the journey, this tabernacle had to be taken down and reconstructed in their new place of residence. Many years later when they finally reached the promised land a permanent temple was built in Jerusalem as their place of worship. It too became damaged and destroyed after various attacks from enemy lands.
While we still have churches, cathedrals, and places of worship today, Jesus came to provide us his spirit and presence which is available to us in all places. While it is wonderful and important to gather together in places of worship as followers of Jesus, it is most important to remember that we have the spirit of the living God within us. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says that each believer and follower of Jesus is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already said that the Notre Dame cathedral will be repaired, rebuilt, and restored in the years ahead. But as the news focuses on this historic landmark of worship, it would do all of us good to remember the millions of temples/cathedrals that God has placed all over this world. We are God’s people, we have the Spirit of Christ living within us, and yes, you and I are and always will be historic cathedrals of God’s hope, grace, and salvation.
Make it Personal: Take some time this week to search online or on your phone for the scriptures in God’s Word that speak about believers being the temple of the living God. As you watch the news coverage of the Notre Dame Cathedral think about your place in God’s story and God’s history.
Have a great week everyone, Pastor Glen Rhodes
