Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Rejoice: God Dwells in Our Midst
  Zechariah 2:10-13
Dr. Thomas Philip & Elcy Philip

Orlando MTC, Florida
10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. 11 Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.
 
Our God delights to dwell among His people. That is the reason for us to rejoice. We can see God's desire to be with His people as a common thread in the Bible from creation in Genesis all the way to “a new heaven and a new earth” in Revelation 21. God had visited Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen 3:8). During the exodus God guided the people of Israel in the wilderness as a pillar of cloud during the day and fire during the night (Exodus 3:21). Later on God asked Moses to build a tabernacle (sanctuary) as a place of His dwelling among the people (Exodus 25:8). Prophets like Isaiah and Zechariah have prophesied God's dwelling with His people.

The advent of Jesus was a fulfilment of such a prophecy – Immanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23). Apostle John proclaimed: “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” (John 1:14). When Jesus was about to ascend to heaven He gave this promise: “I am with you always to the end of ages” (Matthew 28:20b). Apostle Paul points out that God dwells within us (spiritually) and hence we are temples (2 Corinthians 6:16). Then in Revelation we find, “God Himself is the temple that dwells among the people” (Revelation 21:3).

The context of this passage for today's meditation is a promise to encourage the discouraged Israelites who returned from the Babylonian captivity. However, it has a far reaching implication even for the second coming of Christ (v. 11). Now it is not just the Israelites, but people of all nations who have the privilege to join and rejoice in the presence of the Lord. However, one can rejoice in the presence of someone only if that person is connected with (recognize) that presence. God can be with us, but we could be away from Him. God can dwell among us, but we might live as if He never existed – what a tragedy!

Have we opened our hearts to Jesus and accepted His lordship so that we may recognize His indwelling presence? If not, He is knocking at our door; Let us open and rejoice.

PRAYER

Sovereign Lord, Thank You for Your desire to dwell among us. In Your loving mercy, enable us to rejoice and worship in Your presence. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.” (Revelation 3:20 – NIV)
Will we be rejoicing in the presence of the Lord?

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