Day 06 - A New Kind of Temple

Today, we stepped into the world of Ptolemaic temples, marveling at their grandeur and significance in Egypt’s long religious tradition. As we explored these ancient structures, one striking realization came into focus: the design of these temples closely mirrors that of the Tabernacle described in the Bible.

The temples of the Ptolemies, like their older Egyptian predecessors, followed a distinct architectural pattern. There was an outer court for the people, a priest’s court, and a holy of holies, where only the highest religious officials could enter. This structure is remarkably similar to the Tabernacle that God instructed the Israelites to build in the wilderness—a place where He would dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8-9). The Tabernacle, too, had an outer court, an inner court, and the holy of holies, where God’s presence resided.

As we stood within these ancient walls, we reflected deeply on where these similarities came from and, more importantly, what they mean. We followed a powerful thread woven through Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. In Ezekiel, He is called Jehovah Shammah—“The LORD is There” (Ezekiel 48:35). But perhaps more profoundly, the LORD is here.

The Apostle Paul brings this theme to its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament:

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

“Or 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)

What a powerful thought! The presence of God, once confined to sacred spaces built by human hands, now resides within us. The very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8:11). God’s presence goes with us, distinguishes us, and empowers us to be light in the world.

As we walked through these temples today, we were reminded that we no longer need stone walls or sacred chambers to encounter God. We are the temple. We carry His presence with us. And that changes everything.

May we live in the awareness of this truth: that God is not just there—He is here. He is within us. And He is always with us.

Jerrell