The mystery of God’s plan. Pictured in a carefully designed tabernacle.
Elaborate tent. Moving from place to place.
God dwelling among His people.
God with us.
King David
King David sits in his cedar house. And something doesn’t sit right. With his soul.
Why is he living in this fine palace while the dwelling place of the Lord is a tent?
Focused on honoring God with permanence and place, David doesn’t know.
The Most High has other plans.
God with us
God speaks.
“You are not the one to build Me a house to dwell in” (1 Chronicles 17:5). And points out, “I have moved from one tent site to another and one tabernacle location to another.”
Going with His people.
God with us.
Forever
There will be a temple built in the years ahead. But that’s not the point here.
In the words that follow, God gives David a glimpse beyond his understanding. Speaking of a descendant who will build an everlasting kingdom.
“He is the one who will build a house for me
and I will establish his throne
forever.
I will be his father and he will be my son….
I will appoint him over my house
and my kingdom
forever
and his throne will be established
forever”
1 Chronicles 17:12-14
Forever. Forever. Forever.
David sits in the Lord’s presence. And gives thanks for this revelation about a “distant future” (v. 17).
No palace
Perhaps David is still thinking palace. Temple. Earthly kingdom.
But the reality of this vision comes to fruition differently.
Through a helpless baby.
Born in a stable. Placed in a feeding trough. Cradled in simplicity.
Hardly a house of cedar. No palace for this King.
God with us
Jesus. Immanuel. God with us.
Our Priest and King tabernacled among us.
He healed the sick. And raised the dead. Turned water into wine. Took a small lunch and fed a multitude.
He welcomed sinners. Ate with them. And told them, “Go and sin no more.”
Something more
Before his death, burial, and resurrection. Before they understand his plan. Jesus tells those who seek to follow, “the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:18-20).
Because there’s something more than cedar houses. Something beyond temples and palaces.
The kingdom of God.
God with us. To the ends of the earth.
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4 replies on “God with us”
Tabernacled with us! JOY to me – and the world!
Amen! I’ve always loved that this is the literal translation in John 1:14. Blessed Christmas to you.
Susan,
Praising God as I am reading this! So thankful that each time God sent us to different locations that we did not have to carry and set up a tent for Him to dwell in. I praise Him for sending us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.. Merry Christmas!
Oh, Janice, can you imagine? Praise God for His sovereign plan in sending His Son and then sending His Spirit. Have a wonderful Christmas!