From Tabernacle to Temple: 7 Ways to be Empowered from on High

Discussing current events and how they relate to Biblical prophesy. What are some critical signs are pointing to the imminent Rapture of the Church?

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)

One of the most magnificent truths in all of Scripture is how our mighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, has chosen to dwell among His people. This is a journey that takes us from the dust and heat of the Sinai desert to the very hearts of believers today. It’s a story of God’s unfailing love and His desire to be close to us, His children.

Let us begin in the Old Testament, where we see God’s presence manifested in physical structures. In Exodus 40:34, we read these powerful words: “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Can you imagine that moment? The Israelites, having been led out of Egypt by God’s mighty hand, now witnessed His glory descending upon the tabernacle they had built according to His instructions. This was no ordinary tent. This was the dwelling place of the Most High God among His chosen people.

The tabernacle was a marvel of divine design, every detail imbued with meaning. The outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies – each area represented a step closer to God’s presence. But make no mistake, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. God’s presence was near, yet still separate from His people.

As we move forward in Israel’s history, we come to the reign of King Solomon. This wise king built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, a permanent house for the Lord. And how did God respond? Second Chronicles 7:1 tells us, “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” Once again, we see God’s presence filling a physical structure, confirming His approval and His desire to dwell among His people.

But, as glorious as these manifestations were, they were but a shadow of what was to come. God had an even greater plan in mind, a plan that would bring His presence closer to His people than they could have ever imagined.

This brings us to the New Testament, where we witness a radical shift. No longer does God’s presence dwell in buildings made by human hands. Instead, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God now dwells within believers themselves!

The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, asks a profound question: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Think about that for a moment. Your body – yes, yours – is now a temple of the Holy Spirit! The same God who filled the tabernacle with His glory, who sent fire from heaven to the temple, now resides within you through His Spirit.

But it doesn’t stop there. Not only are we individually temples of the Holy Spirit, but collectively, as the Church, we are being built into a dwelling place for God. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). This is a magnificent truth – we are living stones, being fitted together by the master builder Himself, to create a spiritual house where God dwells.

Now, you might be wondering, what does it mean for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us? How is this different from God’s presence in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple?

The difference is immense. In the Old Testament, God’s presence was localized, confined to a specific place. But now, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence goes wherever we go. We carry His presence into our homes, our workplaces, our schools, and our communities. We are mobile temples, if you will, bringing the light of God’s presence into every corner of our world.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit doesn’t just dwell within us – He fills us! On the day of Pentecost, we read in Acts 2:4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” This filling of the Holy Spirit empowered the early believers to boldly proclaim the gospel, perform miracles, and live lives that turned the world upside down for Christ.

And this filling isn’t a one-time event. Paul prays for the Romans, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). This ongoing filling of the Spirit is what enables us to live the Christian life, to bear the fruit of the Spirit, and to fulfill the Great Commission.

Now, let’s consider the implications of this tremendous truth. If we are indeed temples of the Holy Spirit, both individually and collectively, how should this affect our daily lives?

Firstly, it should inspire a deep sense of awe and reverence. Just as the Israelites treated the tabernacle and temple with utmost respect, we should regard our bodies and our fellow believers with honor, recognizing that we are vessels of God’s presence.

Secondly, it should motivate us to live holy lives. In the Old Testament, great care was taken to keep the tabernacle and temple pure and undefiled. How much more should we, as living temples, strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions?

Thirdly, it should fill us with confidence and courage. Wherever we go, whatever challenges we face, we can take comfort in knowing that the Spirit of the living God resides within us. As John reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Fourthly, it should drive us to unity. If we are being built together into a dwelling place for God, then our unity as believers is of utmost importance. Our petty divisions and disagreements must pale in comparison to the glorious reality of being God’s temple.

Fifthly, it should compel us to worship. The tabernacle and temple were places of worship, where sacrifices were offered and praises were sung. As living temples, our lives should be a continuous act of worship, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Sixthly, it should inspire us to service. The presence of God in the tabernacle and temple was not just for Israel’s benefit, but was meant to be a light to the nations. Similarly, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers us for service, to be Christ’s ambassadors in a world that desperately needs Him.

Lastly, it should fill us with anticipation. As wonderful as it is to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us now, we look forward to the day when we will dwell in God’s presence fully and eternally. As John describes in Revelation 21:3, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.“

The progression from God’s presence in physical structures to His indwelling of believers is a testament to His unfailing love and His desire for intimacy with His people. It’s a story that spans from Genesis to Revelation, from the Garden of Eden where God walked with Adam and Eve, to the New Jerusalem where we will see Him face to face.

But this incredible privilege of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit also comes with a great responsibility. We must nurture and cultivate the presence of God within us. So, in conclusion, let me share with you seven ways we can be filled with the Holy Spirit:

Surrender fully to God: The Holy Spirit fills those who are yielded to Him. As Paul exhorts in Romans 12:1, present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

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Confess and repent of sin: Sin grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders His work in our lives. Regular confession and repentance keep the channels clear for the Spirit’s filling.

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Study and meditate on God’s Word: The Spirit and the Word work in tandem. As we fill our minds with Scripture, we create more room for the Spirit to work.

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Pray continually: Prayer is our lifeline to God. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us for service.

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Obey God’s commands: Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience opens the door for a greater filling of the Spirit.

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Worship and praise God: As we focus on God’s greatness and goodness, we become more attuned to His Spirit within us.

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Serve others: As we pour ourselves out in service, we create space for the Spirit to fill us anew. Remember, we are filled to overflow!

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What a privilege we have to be temples of the Holy Spirit! Let us never take this lightly, but rather let us live in a manner worthy of this high calling. May we be ever mindful of God’s presence within us, and may our lives shine brightly as beacons of His glory in this dark world.

And now, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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If you are not sure that you are saved, you can accept Christ into your life right now, by praying:

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior.”

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Current events are aligning with Biblical prophecy