“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 25:8 NKJV
The thought that G-d wants to dwell among and with me wrecks my heart. Why would the G-d of the Universe want to do that? And does He even know who I am and what I’ve done?
And quietly I hear His whisper: Yes. I love you, I made a way for you, and it’s all been forgiven.
The Hebrew word used for dwell in this verse, shâkan, means the idea of lodging or to residing permanently, and/or a place to remain or rest.
The instructions in Exodus to build Moses’ Tabernacle – the tangible, physical place on earth where the presence of G-d would inhabit, was quite precise and specific.
The instructions for us today are still precise and specific:
“if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.””
Romans 10:9-13 NKJV
His desire to dwell among us was so strong that He sent His Only Son as a sacrifice for me and for you. Now, His dwelling place is inside anyone who calls upon Him, who’s hearts are truly His.
He desires deep communion with us. He desires intimacy with us. He desires to dwell within us. We enlarge His dwelling place within us by reading His Word, through praise and thanksgiving, and through prayer, intercession, and fasting. May we intentionally create space for Him today.
Father – forgive me for crowding Your dwelling space in my heart with the fears and worries of the world and with the things of this world. You are the only One worthy of the throne of my heart. Make your home within me today. You are good. You can be trusted and Your leadership in my life is perfect. Amen