From time to time a New Testament Greek word comes on the radar of my studies, and today is no different. Today, the word is NAOS and it means SANCTUARY. One place it is found is in Ephesians 2:21, “In who all they building fitly framed growth into a Holy Temple in the Lord.” (Emphasis added). Another offering of this word, NAOS is found in 1st Corinthians 6:19, “What, don’t you know that you are the Temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (Emphasis added).
It is easy to see, and the point is well taken, that we are to be the inner sanctuary of the presence of God. When did it start for me? It was in my twenties when I realized that my body was the Temple of the Holy Spirit. What God began to do in me at that time was far more important than what God might do through me.
It required a cleansing, a daily cleansing, and a focus on God like I had never known. Like Isaiah, I came to the conclusion that I was undone. God had begun a work in me, but the work was far from over.
It has been my life quest to help others discover that there is more to be experienced, and when they do, their commitment to the things of God is dramatic and transformational. Did you know this is where Isaiah experienced the Shekinah Glory of God? Did you know it was here that he realized that he was created for a higher purpose? Yes, the Shekinah Glory of God will do that to you. In visitations of the presence of God, often men and women will find their life calling. Isaiah did, and as a result of his encounter with God, he cried out, “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
I believe in you! I believe you are the NAOS of GOD!
Your loving pastors, Cleddie and GayNell Keith