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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Where Does God Live? - Revelation 20-22

In these closing images of the Book we see that the infamous Dragon Is Destroyed (20:1–10) and the People of God, the Church stand in the New Creation (21:1–22:5). The End of Time and the Beginning of Eternity ring with Covenant consummation.  We read in Revelation 21:3 (NLT)

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.

This is the culmination of a great plan. "One concept that runs through scripture from Genesis to Revelation is God dwelling or being present with his people. We see God being present with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:8-9). We see it in Moses’ days when the presence of God was represented in the tabernacle, specifically the ark. Once the temple was built it represented the presence of God among the community (1 Kings 8:13), even though they realized it could not contain Him (1 Kings 8:27)." [1]  Even among fickle and failing Israel God said, I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people.” (Leviticus 26:11–12, NLT)

With great glory, God in Christ came to dwell with us.  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT)

When Christ ascended He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit.  We learn why in John 14:17–18 (NLT)

17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

Now when time is complete so is the pursuit of God to be with His people. Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:3, NLT) "God's dwelling (skene) among his people (v. 3) is a fulfilment of Leviticus 26:11-13, a promise given to the old Jerusalem but forfeited because of apostasy. As a backdrop for the scene, consider Genesis 3, when man lost his fellowship with God (cf. Exod 25:8; Ezek 37:26-27)." [2]

Lord as this post is published on December 31st 2013, the end of a Year, I know I am one step closer to being at home with You.  Perhaps in 2014 I will be forever caught up into Your Presence.  I long for the day that You will make Your Home with Your People.  Forever things will change.  All things will be new.  Our hearts and minds cannot conceive of the the glory to be realized on that day.  Save your people, Lord Jesus.  Save my family.  Bring them to repentance and faith.   Prepare my loved one and I for that eternal home. 



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2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Revelation/Exposition of Revelation/V. Vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth and the New Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)/A. The New Jerusalem (21:1-27), Book Version: 4.0.2


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