03/19/2018
Do you suffer, or cry in this life? Do you hunger or thirst in your days here in this world? Do you long spiritually for fulfillment, and yearn to see the face of God? Well, take heart; for those who are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ have a heavenly existence waiting for them in which there will be no suffering, hunger, thirst, tears, nor longing to see the face of God. The blood of Jesus prepares us for the glorious eternity of heaven, and to be encamped with God.
“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:15-17 KJV
What does it mean that “he who sits on the throne will dwell among them”? I love the picture being painted for us here. The word translated as dwell in this verse comes from the Greek word skenosei and means to tent, or to pitch a tent. In other words, God will bring us into His camp, and our tent will be pitched with His.
When I was young I was a Boy Scout, and used to go camping often. When we arrived at where we would make camp there was a rush to pick the spot where we would pitch our tents. You wanted a flat comfortable spot close to water, the fire, and where meals would be prepared, but most of all, you wanted to be surrounded by the tents of your friends. When I think of pitching my tent in heaven, I want to be close to the tent of God. I want to be in close relationship and proximity to Him.
Another important aspect of camping was to select your tent mate, and this was decided before we arrived because the load in our packs had to be distributed. Our tents would always accommodate two people, so you would want to share your tent, and load, with your best friend, or at least someone with whom you had the most in common, or who could help you make the best camp, and do the camp chores. As I think of being encamped with God, and serving Him, this thought of selecting a tent mate immediately comes to mind, and I wonder to myself who it will be. Who will be available for me to select from? Who will be washed in the blood of Jesus and making camp in God’s encampment? This makes what we do now (before leaving) all the more important. Are we helping those around us to wash in the blood, and make ready?
I camped as an adult too, but my tent was bigger to accommodate my entire family, or if I were camping with friends it would sleep several, and the idea of planning became more intense. How many will our tent in heaven hold? What will we each bring with us?
So yes, the imagery provided in this scripture is wonderful to me, and should be to you as well. We are going to do more than live in a pre-constructed structure, we are going to be in a tent, fed, watered, and cared for by God Himself. This is an intimate setting in which you are in close proximity with one another, and can hear the conversations in the tents surrounding yours, because you are separated be a thin layer of fabric... no thick walls, locked doors, or curtained windows. It will be joyous with no tears, and everything provided... this is perfection, and all the senses are heightened. Food tastes better, water satisfies more, and friendships are more intense. I can only imagine the fullness of our relationship with God, and Jesus Christ... the melody of praise that will weave its way through our midst and join us together.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for inviting us into your camp, and redeeming us, washing us in the blood of your Son Jesus Christ... our Lord and Savior. I look forward to the beauty that will surround us, but most of all Father, I thrill at the prospect of seeing your face, and hearing your voice always... even through the walls of my tent. I long to taste the food, the wine and water, and to live without pain or suffering. I thrill at the thought of walking with you, and Jesus, and of standing on a mountainside, and looking out over the landscape; silent in awe of your presence, and all of your creation. Help me Holy Father as I prepare to join you there. Keep me focused on your commandments, and those of Jesus. Teach me and perfect me every day through your Holy Spirit as I learn how to live in your camp and presence. Each day Father I find my excitement has increased, and my longing to be with you honed. You are my God, and I praise your name, and sing of your glory... I long to be in your camp, and in your service always. Come quickly Lord Jesus, and claim me for the Father’s own.
“Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, "This is God's camp!" So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.”
Genesis 32:1-2 ESV
Rich Forbes