God dwelling with us.
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. - Exodus 25:8-9 ESV
The universe can not contain the God who spoke it into existence. While He can exist in any and every part of His creation, He must also surround it to the furthest reaches of infinity. God has no limits and can not be limited.
In spite of this, God chose to humble Himself, and in some way, manifest His presence in the Tabernacle. God chose to dwell in a tent when His children, leaving Egypt, had to dwell in tents. It was no ordinary tent though, it was made to heavenly specifications exactly as God instructed. More space in Scripture is devoted to the detailed description of the making of the Tabernacle than to the making of the universe. It was beautiful, made of precious materials and constantly filled with the fragrance of oil and incense that could not be found anywhere else.
It was pitched in the middle of the camp and it always faced east as a powerful reminder of God’s work of bringing His children back to be with Him. In Eden, Adam & Eve, having sinned and separated themselves from God, had to leave the garden of God’s presence and move eastward. Moving from west to east in Scripture symbolises separation from God while coming from the east towards the west, as people would when they approached and entered the Tabernacle, was exactly the opposite. (Even Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was westward from Bethany).
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. - John 14:23 ESV
This is all a perfect picture of infinite God choosing, in some mysterious way, to humble Himself and dwell among us in a body just like ours. But of course, He was and is different to any other human being. He is perfect, sinless and carries with Him the fragrance of eternal life, Jesus Christ - like the Tabernacle - is God dwelling with His children. All who approach Him, in faith, love and obedience, can be reconciled to God.
Prayer
Dear Loving Heavenly Father, as we are confined to our homes, please remind us that these are temporary, just like tents. Thank You for reminding us that You desire to live with us, even here and now. Thank You that despite Your infinite power and perfection, You love us intimately and personally, and want to make Your home with us. Thank You that Jesus paid the full price for our sin so that we can be welcomed to our permanent home with You.
Lord God please hear our confession of sin, empower us to repent and turn away from the evil we think and do, and to trust in Your saving grace. Forgive us Lord Jesus and help us to forgive each other.
We love You Lord God Almighty, and Praise You in Jesus Name. Amen.
Indescribable - Chris Tomlin.
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea, Creations revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God, All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go, Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light, Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God, All powerful, untameable, Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Some of us may have the blessing of living just as we would like to right now. Many of us though, are not comfortable with our current living arrangements. Having considered God’s great love and mercy in condescending to live with us, let’s try today to make someone else feel a little more comfortable in the way we serve them - in person or over the phone or internet connection. Who can we bless with some form of comfort and companionship today? Check your household, phone contacts and Whatsapp groups, and ask the Lord to show you who He would like you to bless today.