I was in Siemreap, Cambodia for month 7th debrief and I had the opportunity to go see Angor Wat.
Angor Wat is a giant ancient temple in a complex of other temples. It is also one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. It’s a marvel! I’ve seen other ancient temples in the world and each can stand on it’s own merit. The Parthenon in Athens and Apollos temple in Corinth are two of my favorites. And the maya temples each have their own astounding things to own up to their legacies.
I always marvel at these things. The detail and construction in the Parthenon is breath taking, The science and technology of the mayan temples, and the sheer mass and detail at Angor Wat are all things to be amazed by. These structures are huge feats for man kind.
As I walked through the temples over run by trees (The Tomb Raider Temple) and climbed on the broken rocks of a temple to honor a smile, I began to really see these architectural wonders for what they really are. The are or were homes to other “gods” and the state of disarray they are currently in is a testament to the power these “gods” hold. None.
These temples don’t bring glory to these gods, they bring glory to man. They glorify the mayan scientists, the greek artists, and the cambodian/hindi architects. They show off the talents and skills of man and not of these gods.
I began to wonder what the Jewish temple looked like in it’s glory. I’ve read descriptions of it’s majesty. I’ve heard of the detail work and they way the sunrise hit the marble and lit up the city. I wondered what it would be like to see a temple that brought glory to God and not man. But I can’t go to Jerusalem and see this sight in more.
Much like these “gods” of old abandoned these man made temples, God abandoned his own man made temple. Instead of going to Jerusalem to see a temple that glorifies God, I just have to look in the mirror. When I was struck with this realization, I couldn’t believe what was around me.
John, Allison, ChaCha, Anna, and I are temples of God. I am not only a physical thing that’s existence brings glory to God but so are all the Christians I get the privilege of living with.
I am God’s temple. I am his and he resides in me. And so are all of my brothers and sisters. Our bodies, our existence brings glory to God ten fold what these ancient temples bring glory to man.
