Blown Away

This morning I started back back back in Ephesians 2. That's different because the next section to be studied was Ephesians 5. But the Lord wanted me to see something different. Boy, did He ever!? I was blown away at the beauty. These next passages just show the digression and progression of our fellowship with God and His dwelling among His people. It showcases His love for us and His constant pursuit. He is good. He is faithful. And we, well we, should never think differently on the matter.

Genesis 1:26-3 Instead of writing all of that out, I'm just going to paraphrase what I picked up from this section of Scripture. God has created man in His own image and put him in the garden to work it. He made woman in this time and given specific instructions to both Adam and Eve. At the Fall, God comes looking for Adam and Eve. In the Garden of Eden, man was in perfect communion with God. Because of man's sin, the relationship with God was broken.  The relationship can only be restored when man eats from the Tree of Life - Christ. It is here that we see God's desire for relationship with His people. He already has a plan for redemption - they will eat of the Tree of Life. He will send His Son, who is Life, to restore the relationship between God and man.

Exodus 25:8  "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." It always seems overwhelming and honestly a little much to read about the instructions of the tabernacle. But God is showing His love for His people and His desire to dwell among them. The tabernacle is just that for the Israelites. When the cloud was above the tabernacle, God was directing His people to remain in that place. Upon the completion of the tabernacle a cloud covered the tent of meeting - "The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). When the cloud lifted, it was time to advance to the next location (Numbers 9:19). Our God was leading His people. Isn't it beautiful how God continued to pursue the people and be among them? Despite the sin of man, He continued to show His love and come after them, guide them, and direct them.

John 1:14  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." I don't think this one needs any further explanation other than this: God came to us in the form of man by His Son, Jesus Christ. His plan for our redemption is fulfilled in the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior.

Ephesians 2:19-22  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."  Can we just stop a take a deep breath there for a moment? It was this verse that sparked the scavenger hunt for the others. We are the household of God built on the foundation of Christ. By His Spirit, our bodies are temples for the Almighty God! If that didn't take your breath away, I just don't know what will.

Except maybe this...

Revelation 21:3  "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." The new heavens and the new earth. The relationship that was broken at the Fall will be completely restored for those who believe. And we will be with God, and He will be with us! Glorious day!

And because I am one to share, this is a sermon on Proverbs 3. Let's just say I have paused it a million times to write a note or two.
http://idcraleigh.com/2014/06/june-15-2014-proverbs-3/