A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Take Up Residence"

In the first chapter of his gospel John boldly proclaims the mind-boggling truth that "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." (John 1:14) It is important to note that the Word, Jesus Christ, made is "dwelling among us," or, as it could be translated, "tabernacled among us." This denotes a temporary stay, a sojourn. Later in this same gospel Jesus tells His disciples that He must go away and return to the Father. He goes on to tell them that He will ask the Father and He will send another to be with them forever, and this other is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will "live" or "abide" in us (John 14:17). Though Jesus took on flesh for a time, He, by His Spirit, comes to abide, take up residence, in His people.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we are admonished to be aware of the fact that we are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in us. Note the words used here: God's temple and lives in you. In the Old Testament the difference between the tabernacle and the temple is clearly apparent. The first was understood as the temporary dwelling place of God, whereas the temple was the permanent dwelling place of God. Paul makes it clear that "we are God's temple." We are where His Spirit takes up residence, where He lives.

Let us rejoice beloved in the glorious reality that in Christ and by His cleansing work we are made a fitting temple of God. He has not left us desolate but has come to us (John 14:18). He abides in us! And let us not forget that He comes to take up residence, not make a casual visit. This means that He takes charge of His temple. We are no longer are own. We are His. He is Lord. He's the master of His temple and He makes us into what He wants us to be. A guest asks to go into certain rooms. A guest needs permission to do something to the house. The owner of the house can go into any room and make any changes he desires. Such in the case with Jesus in us. He takes ownership and sets up residence. We joyously relinquish all rights and privileges, releasing them to His control. Because He lives in us, we live! (John 14:19)

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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