Tag: James and John
Jesus, the Tent Dweller
Scripture reading for October 30th: John 1-2
The Gospel of John, the beloved disciple, is exciting reading. John was the youngest disciple and one of the “sons of thunder” brothers. James and John were evidently very emotional and yet very likable. These brothers were in the inner circle of three in the company of disciples and John was the one resting his head on Jesus’ chest in the famous picture of the Last Supper. John was also the disciple who Jesus asked from the Cross to take care of His mother. (John 19:26-27) The theme of his Gospel is “Jesus, the Son of God” and John goes back to Genesis as he begins his account.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)
John starts with a revelation of the Son of God! He is the eternal Word! He was with God in the beginning! Of course, eternity is the realm of God. There is no time in His realm, so there is no beginning from God’s perspective. He always was, is, and will be. The beginning spoken of by John is the beginning of created things. Everything we can see was created by God and by His Word. He is the source and beginning of it all. By speaking His powerful Word in faith He created the visible world and heavens. When we think of how vast and huge these creations are, we are humbled by the power of that Word!
But at the right time, this Word became flesh and dwelt among His people! The word for “dwelt” is the same word used to describe the pitching of a tent. He “tabernacled” with His people! This is what God did when Israel was in the desert after Mt. Sinai. Moses was given instructions to build a special tent and furniture as a place for God to dwell in the midst of His people. This tent was called a “tabernacle”. God’s presence marked His people as separate and blessed above all others on the earth. No enemy could defeat them as they marched with Him, no sickness could attack, and even clothes and shoes did not wear out! (Nehemiah 9:19-21)
Jesus Christ came to His own people, but they did not receive Him! (John 1:11-12) Most rejected Him and ended up crucifying Him. But to those who would and did receive Him, Jesus gave the power to become children of God! They would be “born again” into God’s family! He would send them the Holy Spirit to live in them and they would become “living tabernacles” of God’s presence! What a blessed people are those who receive Him! Why not invite Him to be your Savior today and let Him pitch His tent in you! His powerful Word brings new birth and eternal life!