Devotions this week based on Come Home Week 1 – PLACE (WATCH HERE)
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! 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.
“I’m but a stranger here. Heaven is my home.”
This phrase is also a title of a hymn in our Lutheran hymnbook. It’s a hymn that moves our hearts and minds to our eternal home. Don’t get me wrong, God gives many blessings to us (even in our challenges) while we live on this earth. Yet, enjoying earth is not God’s ultimate desire for us.
He desires that he dwells with us and we with him for an eternity.
God’s heart from the beginning when he created and dwelt with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden was to enjoy the presence of his people and they enjoy his. Sin ruined that. But God’s desire to dwell with his people continued through the tabernacle, the temple and his son Jesus. All had one goal.
God’s dwelling with his people.
The Bible ends where it began, with God and humanity together. No barriers. No separation. No sorrow.
In heaven, sin can no longer wreak havoc on our relationship with the Lord. The ultimate relationship with the Lord will be enjoyed by all in his presence.
By his grace that is you.
Heaven is your home because home is where God is.
This Christmas, let the message of Christ coming to dwell with us not be an endpoint to forget on December 26. Let this Christmas renew your appreciation and wonder that God would choose you to dwell with you. Be humbled that God would desire to be in your presence and he with you! Give gratitude that through Jesus heaven awaits for you to enjoy the perfect relationship with you Savior for all eternity. Let Christmas not only point you to the manger of Bethlehem but forward to eternity.
Apply: How does heaven reshape today? What does the truth of dwelling with God for all eternity change as you face the challenges of your day?
Prayer: God of glory, carry us through this life with the hope of the next. Anchor us in eternity. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.