"So the word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." (John 1:14 NIV)
I turned the page in John this morning and, of course, this scripture made me think of my word for 2023: tabernacle. Have you deeply considered how wondrous it was that Jesus came to earth to tabernacle in a tent of flesh amidst His people? Though He was broadly unrecognized and rejected (John 1:10-11), He still fulfilled His mission. He lived a sinless life, despite facing every temptation that you and I do. He endured a sinner’s death, becoming our scapegoat and absorbing our punishment so we wouldn’t have to. These selfless actions birth our recognition and belief in His divinity. By faith, we are welcomed into the family of God.
Of course, Jesus doesn’t just tabernacle with His people temporarily for a few decades in the fulcrum of history. No, He promised to tabernacle in us post-resurrection as well.
"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them and come and make our home in them." (John 14:23 NIV)
It’s helpful to know that it isn’t only love that lays out the invitation for indwelling. Love may initially turn the key and it’s certainly enough to get God’s attention, but obedience makes the move-in possible. Our love for God motivates our obedience to God. Obedience lays out the welcome mat and holds the front door open. The presence of God moves into hearts that are fully devoted to Him. Disobedience shortens His stay.
There’s a difference between residing and presiding. We aren’t inviting Jesus into our heart-house as a couch surfer or room mate. We can’t cordon Him off to a guest room or attic apartment. When He moves in, He presides as Master of the establishment. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
But wait, there’s more! Obedience begets the presence of the living God taking up residence in our frame but it also avails us to His Spirit.
"If you love Me, keep My commands. I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-17 NIV)
When we invite God to dwell with us through availability and obedience: the whole family moves in. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a tremendous benefit to us as homeowners.
The Holy Spirit comes with power for witnessing. (Acts 1:8) This means power to open our mouth and speak God’s truth, but, also, power for right living. Right living commands the attention of the world around us, letting them know there is something different inside. Right living is just about impossible in our own strength, so the Holy Spirit indwelling is pragmatic, indeed!
Here’s the best part, though. When the triune God moves and and presides in us, we belong to a family again. Check it out:
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18 NIV)
I receive this promise quite personally. As a daughter and sister who has loves most of her origin family, the invitation to belong is enticing. Truly, though, we have all been orphaned by sin. Our transgressions have isolated us from God and others. But Jesus, Himself, built a bridge over a canyon we couldn’t cross on our own accord. He welcomes us as long-lost siblings and we are enfolded into the loving embrace of the family of God.
Aren’t you encouraged in your own tabernacle experience? I hope you’ll make a few moments today to sit in silence and invite the presence of God into your heart-home anew. Quiet your mind, open the doors, and wait on His holy arrival. He longs to make your heart His home.
"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Lord, we are undone by the fact that You are wiling to dwell in us. What great lengths You have gone to! You avail Yourself to us. May we avail ourselves to You. We believe, we even love. Help us obey. Grow our affection to a measure where obedience is the natural next step. Help us still our hearts long enough to make a meaningful invitation. Come and make Your home in us. Amen.