God's Temple

1 kings 8:27
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!

Solomon was overwhelmed by God's presence in the Temple (8:10-11). He clearly understood the sinful inclination (8:57-58) and pattern (ch. 8) of the human heart. Yet Holy God honored His promises to Israel (8:23) and blessed His people with His presence.
What is even more profound than God dwelling in a house built by human hands is that He would one day wrap Himself in flesh and dwell as and with humans. It was not enough to inhabit a building, God became incarnate. It was not enough to be the place of sacrifice, Jesus Christ replaced all sacrifice and became the offering for us. What could be more profound than the Temple that is Jesus Christ (John 2:19-21)!?
Yet, it was not enough to dwell with sinful man, God chose to dwell inside of us through the presence of His Holy Spirit. Through this indwelling, He has written His law of love on our hearts and speaks to us personally. Through this indwelling we know His presence daily. Through His indwelling we are empowered to live righteously. Through His indwelling the inclination of our hearts is changed. What an amazing God we serve, that He would dwell in this temple!!!
This should motivate me toward obedience, purity and self discipline in my spiritual rituals. This should drive me to maintain this temple so that God is pleased to dwell in it, so that I may be a witness of His presences and so that others may be drawn to Him as they were drawn to that first temple.

Lord - purify me and cleanse me that You may be pleased to dwell in me. Amen.