In Galatians 4:19 (NIV) the apostle Paul writes to the Galatian believers, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you...”
Jesus was formed in Mary to what end? To be presented to the world as God’s Messiah — His ultimate Answer to every conceivable human weakness, sin, or problem.
What was happening in her was not ultimately just for her. She was merely a vehicle, a meeting place of heaven and earth through which the world and all reality was to be blessed.
I’m convinced the same intention is behind Christ being formed in us. Our lives are to be a place where others encounter a convergence of heaven and earth.
As God’s people we are referred to as the Lord’s temple both collectively and individually — a place where God dwells by His Spirit. It’s not the temple that’s so important. It merely serves as a venue for people to encounter the One who is in the temple.
What is to be our primary function as the Lord’s temple on earth? Jesus put it this way: “It is written … “My house will be called a house of prayer.” (Matthew 21:13)
