10/19/2022
When we rise up in the morning and set about doing whatever it is that we will do that day, what is the first thing that crosses the threshold of our home as we step into the world? When we are preparing to go on a journey, a pilgrimage, or even a short trip, who goes before us to prepare the way, or who do we depend on to guide us? When the Israelites traveled they were preceded by the Ark of the Covenant, and were led by a pillar of smoke during the day, and fire at night. In other words, God went before them and led them always. Can we say the same?
“So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them.”
Numbers 10:33 ESV
Then, following the Ark came the tribe of Judah with the Tabernacle, followed by the Kohathites who carried with them the holy things of the Tabernacle.
“Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.”
Numbers 10:21 ESV
So, if we order our lives and travels as the Israelites ordered theirs, then God goes before us to prepare a way, and a resting place, for us, and we will follow to set up the Tabernacle, or in our modern vernacular, the temple, or Church.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
As we leave our homes each day the Lord should have proceeded us to prepare a way, and to make a place where we can rest when we come to Him. Then when we follow Him, we carry within us His abode, the temple, that should be His place of comfort, and rest. The trappings of the temple that is within us will follow, and we will thus be established together there in this place with our God… complete with the instruments of our faith.
This order, indicates the place, and importance of God in our lives. Nothing should come before Him, and everything that is needed to provide Him a place with us, and for us to worship him, should follow immediately after. Our God, and our faith, should be foremost in our lives, and we should defend them just as God defends us.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.”
Psalm 138:7 ESV
My wife Ann and I were in Europe this past summer, and as we toured the many ancient towns and villages, I noticed something important, the older portions of the villages were almost always surrounded by a defensive wall for protection, and at the center, or at least at a place where it could be well defended, was the town church or cathedral. Today our churches are scattered everywhere, and have no apparent prominence in most of our cities, but in ancient times they were at the heart of their lives… they were the focal point of their towns. I hope that this is not indicative of how we view our faith today, but I fear it might be.
“so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,”
Ephesians 3:10-11 ESV
Today let’s place God back where He belongs; before all else in our lives, and reestablish the prominence of Jesus Christ at the center of our faith where he can guide us in all we do each day. Let’s use an old example regarding the Church to establish a fresh look at the place of Church in our lives, and see it as being important enough to be placed at the most secure place we can construct. If we can do this then our prayers will be answered, and the order of Heaven will become ours on earth.
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for going before us, and preparing a place for us through your Son Jesus. Thank you for the establishment of the Church, and for making each one of us who accepts you, to be your temple. Help us Lord to protect what you have established by placing it at the heart of our lives, and in the safest places in which we live. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who goes before us. Praised be your name for every way you make straight before us, and for the restful places you secure for us at the end of our day’s travel. Worthy are you of our worship, and praise. Worthy are you of our love that knows no end. Wash us clean Father in the blood of Jesus as we enter into your presence, and let us serve you in the temple, within ourselves, forever. You are the focus of our lives, and the banner that goes before us always. Lead us Abba into eternity with you, and let your grace towards us bring glory to you forever, and forevermore.
Rich Forbes