In both the Old Testament and the New, we read about the Spirit of the Lord. But in both instances, He behaves quite differently. In the OT, God’s Spirit rested on individuals. We never read about the indwelling of the Spirit. Even with Adam and Eve, God walked with them in the Garden. Then, especially after sin entered into the world, the Spirit became more prominent.
With Moses, the Spirit rested on him and God’s power was displayed through the acts he performed. When Moses was authoring his books through the words of God up on the mountain, after he descended, God’s glory was showing in his face. Why? God’s power was resting upon him. It was so powerful that people couldn’t look at him and Moses had to wear a veil. That glory would eventually fade because it only rested upon Moses.
Later, God’s glory was kept behind a veil in a temple. Shielded to where only one man, the High Priest, could visit it at a certain time. This place was called the Holy of Holies. God’s presence among men. But this was temporary; God had a plan.
When Jesus was born, the temple still stood, but God now was among men in His human form. The promised Savior was one step closer to bridging the gap between Him and us for eternity. There was just one thing standing in that way, a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was about to provide it.
History tells that when Jesus died on the cross, the temple veil separating the Holy of Holies from man was torn in two from top to bottom. God’s presence which was once only upon men, was freed. That freedom came to fruition at Pentecost.
Pentecost was the day that proved God’s Spirit would now be among men, and within men—no longer just rest upon men, even better to indwell within men. The only barrier now is our reception of that indwelling.
Friends, we are God’s temple. Once we accept Jesus as our savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. He is no longer a presence that rests upon us. Christ in us, the hope of glory. This hope is a promise of what’s to come. Someone to be with us through whatever we face, through trials and tribulations, to strengthen us, and to share the joys we celebrate. Trust Christ: He is ready to fill your heart and heal it today.
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16
Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash
Moments for the Heart 