John describes Jesus’ coming this way, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV).
Throughout the New Testament, we see that Jesus desires to be with us. When he chose his disciples the first thing recorded is not that they would preach or heal but, “that they might be with him” (Mark 3:14). When Jesus spoke of leaving he said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). When Jesus prayed for his future disciples he said, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am” (John 17:24).
Finally, at the climax of the Bible, we read, “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3) (My emphasis).
From the very beginning, when God fellowshipped with Adam and Eve in the garden, we see his desire for relationship. When the relationship was broken, God immediately thought of the Saviour he would send to bring restoration and “crush” the enemy’s head (Genesis 3:15). He is a God of relationship, and we see throughout biblical history God looking for a people who he could dwell amongst. People who would truly be his, not just because he chose them to be his people but because they also willingly chose him.
In Jesus’ death and resurrection, we see the lengths God was prepared to go to, to achieve reconciliation. He gave his one and only Son that we might be his children who he could lavish his love upon and do us good. He only has good intentions towards us and wants us to experience greater fellowship with him. He has done everything necessary, it’s now up to us to draw near to him
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Let’s pray …
Thank you Lord for the bread, that reminds us of your body broken for us, a physical demonstration of your great love and desire to be with us.
Thank you Lord for the cup, a physical reminder of your blood, shed for us so our sins could be forgiven and we could enjoy a restored relationship with you.
Thank you Lord for choosing us to be your people and giving us the courage to choose you. Today we commit to pursuing a deeper relationship with you.
Thank you Lord that even after thousands of years and many disappointments, you still want to dwell amongst your people.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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