Ancient and modern religions all have a temple. Different sizes, forms and user interactions to be sure—but all provide the same function. They bridge the gap.
Humans know by nature the expansive chasm between us and the divine (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1). God is big and we are small. God is holy and we are flawed.
Temples are what people use to bridge that gap. Some temples are buildings that display elaborate, intricate designs representing a god. Others aren't buildings, but connecting mindfully with the god of nature to experience transcendence above humanity's limitations and complications. Others ensure rituals and sacrifices are performed to please a god.
All these are man-made designs to connect with the divine. All human efforts to bridge the gap are, well, human and since we're flawed they will be flawed. Unsuccessful. They might feel good, give us a sense of accomplishment, or connect us with a wide variety of historic practices. But they're just too human to reach God.
Christianity says, "God bridges the gap!" He creates the temple, and it is himself. God as "go-between" is often called the temple, the mediator, even the great high priest (John 2:19, 1 Timothy 2:5).
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess … Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
So God truly is not only the God on the other side, but the God who comes near and bridges the gap to himself. He is the bridge.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for being the bridge and connecting me to God. Thank you for being God, who became human, and intervened for me. Be my temple and great high priest, and draw me near so that I approach God with new appreciation. I pray for your mercy and grace to help me hold firmly to this faith. Amen.
Daron Lindemann
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