“They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day …” – Genesis 3:8

“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us …” – John 1:14

“… Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, …” – Revelation 21:3

The verses above were chosen to illustrate the divine progression of a loving and compassionate God desiring to dwell among His people. It really is an awe-inspiring thought to ponder. The Creator of the universe, God Himself, initiating the act of fellowshipping with His creation throughout history. God is with us! It is the epitome of an act of graceful love. God, in all His wonder and splendor, craves to have a relationship with you and me! This simple deed not only makes the God of Christians unique, but makes Him worthy of our devotion and worship.

Since the beginning of time God has desired to commune with His creation. In the Garden of Eden God is seen walking and talking with His newfound creation. We don’t know much about what happened before the fall of man, but we do know that God and human coexisted together in perfect union.

Even after the expulsion of Adam and Eve, God continued to reach out to His chosen people.  He conversed, instructed, chastised, called and comforted people like Cain, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Moses. His voice crackled from clouds, He appeared like Angels and even spoke through a burning bush.

When He rescued His people from Egypt He decided to increase His stake in man by dwelling among them. He instructed Moses to build a portable tent where He would reside. He became a tent dweller among tent dwellers to show His love to the nation of Israel.  He wanted to be with His people. God is with us!

Years later the portable tent was transformed into a permanent Temple. Because of man’s disobedience God left the Temple and had it destroyed not once, but three times! It was a spiritual dry season where God, still desiring to dwell with His people, left their presence due to rebellious sin. But He never stopped wanting to fellowship with man.

After this spiritual drought, God decided to up His game by sending His son Jesus Christ to dwell among mankind. Jesus, the 2^nd Person of the Godhead, left the bounds of heaven to tabernacle (dwell) with men. Immanuel, God is with us! Not only did God initiate the reconciliation process, but He sent the Holy Spirit to permanently dwell in the hearts of all who believe in Him. Once again, God set up perpetual residence in His creation.

In the end, God will have His way because His love is never-ending. His redeemed creation will dwell with Him forever in the heavens. Nothing can separate us from His love. We are forever grateful for such a loving Father who seeks to be with us.  Hallelujah! God is with us!

In Christ,

Dave

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