They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” (John 1:38).
Two disciples of John the Baptist began to follow Jesus. They were seeking a place to dwell, an abode with God (see Part 1).
David said, “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 21:6). And now here was the Son of David dwelling among men. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” John’s Gospel says (John 1:14). This is the same Word that was with God in the beginning, and indeed, is God (John 1:1).
The Greek word translated “dwelt” here is the verb form of a noun that literally means “tent” or “tabernacle.” In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness was the place where God manifested His presence and met with His people. And when David recovered the Ark of the Covenant, he brought it into Jerusalem and set up a tabernacle, a tent for it, and he danced before the Lord, whirling and leaping with great joy (2 Samuel 6:16-17). It was the “House of the Lord,” God’s dwelling place on earth, and the only place David wanted to be in all the world.
One thing I have desired of the Lord,This is echoed by another psalm writer:
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
(Psalm 27:4)
How lovely is Your tabernacle,Now Jesus, the Word that was in the beginning with God, and is God, came to tabernacle among men, and the disciples of John the Baptist wanted to meet with Him in His dwelling place.
O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
(Psalm 84:1-2)
“Where do you dwell,” they asked.
“Come and see,” Jesus answered.
It was an invitation from God.
So Jeff. I accepted that invitation as I know you have. I enjoy your activity in the FFF. Establishing a relationship with God is sonship: co-heir, friend and brother with Jesus. Not arrogance but honesty. The Living Word is Truth. Prophetic utterance is the most noble. It is creation and is substance. It is time to press in to what has already been paid for and " now" is freely offered to those who can bare a gift! Peace, be with you Jeff....
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff- always a pleasure to hear what the Lord is speaking through you. Where we dwell and abide is indeed a big thing these days. As sons, we dwell in his house - as you know He's preparing the bride - she dwells in his secret chamber. The days are coming when we do well to seek shelter in the deepest dwelling place of the Lord. We will always be kept safe here.
ReplyDelete