Ever since the fall, one of the greatest longings was for God to come and dwell with us once again here on earth. Broken humanity has desperately wanted to re-encounter God’s glorious presence.
On some level, this transpired during the time of the Exodus. At the Feast of Tabernacles, tents were hastily constructed with the intention of directly meeting with God.
Israel truly yearned for God to dwell with them in an intimate way. They wanted more than just signs, wonders, and miracles—they ached to truly see His face.
With the emergence of Jesus centuries later, this promise was finally realized. The “Tabernacling God” was no longer standing at the periphery; He was actualized in history. Jesus enabled something to happen that past generations could only dream of:
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother and brought them up to a high mountain alone, and was transfigured before them. His face shone as the sun, and His garments became white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, let us make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matt. 17:1-8)
Ancient promises informed Peter’s declaration that tabernacles be built. He was convinced God had finally come to dwell; bringing the Law and Prophets. Yet everything else fades as the anointed Messiah is unveiled.
What we have in Jesus is the longing of the ages ratified in flesh and blood. For the first time since the dawning of time, God is dwelling with humanity. This is the hope that countless men and women have longed for.
Reflecting on this, Paul declares that, in Jesus, “you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). God no longer dwells in buildings of wood or stone. He now resides in the hearts and minds of a redeemed humanity.
It seems that the Book of Revelation makes an even more startling assertion: “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them. They shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev. 21:3).
What humanity has been yearning for since the beginning is to truly dwell with God. I’m sure it’s something you feel in the depths of your soul.
However, what so few realize is that God has made provision for this to happen right now—through the person of Jesus.
The time has come for you and I to truly dwell with God here on earth. {eoa}
J.D. King is the director of the World Revival Network and associate pastor of World Revival Church.
