Reading: Exodus 40:17; John 1:14; Revelation 21:1-5

When Solomon completes the temple “the cloud filled the house of the LORD”. God continues to dwell with His people, as promised. But later Israel falls into serious sins and refuses to repent. It becomes so serious that the LORD’s glory departs from the temple (Ezekiel 10:18) and Israel is exiled. Nothing of God’s glorious presence remains among them.

Is God’s promise to dwell with His people only temporary after all? No. The birth of Jesus Christ brings renewal. He is Immanuel, God with us. John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” God will never depart from His church again. When Jesus ascends to heaven He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us as our Comforter. Paul assures us “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

God dwells with us is eternally. We read in Revelation about life eternal that “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:3-4). Revelation 22:4 adds that we “shall see His face”.

In the great exodus out of Egypt God shows His mighty power and glory so that Israel glorifies Him. When Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell with His people, God again shows His power and glory so that His church glorifies Him.  Finally in life eternal God will dwell with us face to face, eternally. Then we will glorify God in perfection. How blessed and joyful we are. Let us therefore pray with the apostle John “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Key text:  John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Meditation: Describe the glory you can see in Jesus Christ.