The Dark Temple

I looked at the stained glass windows of the chapel as the minister spoke. He talked

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of how all we who know the Lord were the "temples of the Living God." The Scriptures clearly present this truth, but as he spoke, I remembered the large round stained glass window in back of the church in which I was married.

When the church was dark, you couldn't see what the window depicted. You could tell it was meant to be a picture, to tell a story, to portray a meaning of something. But the darkness hid the significance of it's careful planning, creation and installation.

When the church was full, however, the lights illuminated the window and from the outside the brilliant and deep hues were easily seen. The window depicted the Lord Jesus standing at the door and knocking.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)

If the Lord Jesus has "come in" unto us and dwells within us, then He is the Light of our temple. " That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9) He will illuminate us from the inside and the story which our life was planned, created and purposed to portray will show forth on the outside to all who see us.

Those who do not know the Lord Jesus, those who have not opened that door and let Him come in, will remain in darkened temples. They may try various candles of the world to light their dwelling, but the cold and feeble flames will always self-extinguish and yield a poor and meager attempt at illumination. Only the glory of God, only the Light of the world can flood our hearts and souls with Light and Truth.

There is but One Light of the world, One Door, One Way. He is standing there knocking still, His heart full of grace and mercy and love for us. As the old hymn asks, "Oh, why don't you let Him come in?"

"If you'll take one step toward the Savior my friend,
You'll find His arms open wide.
Receive Him and all of your darkness will end,
Within your heart He'll abide.


Time after time,
He has waited before,
And now He is waiting again,
To see if you're willing to open the door,
O how He wants to come in."

Ralph Carmichael