NOW AND FOREVER
See! The home of God is with men, and he will live among them. They shall be his people, and God Himself shall be with them. Rev. 21:3, Phillips.
Picture this: A lovely wedding has taken place. Candles were lit, vows taken, matrimonial cake shared. The bride, wreathed in smiles, waves as she rushes away to enjoy her long-awaited honeymoon--apart from the groom! Smiling indulgently, he sees his bride off, glad for her happiness. Having made her secure in his love and financial support, he is content for her to spend the rest of her life free from worry, though they will actually see little of one another.
Absurd? Of course. But let's stop and think a minute. In the metaphor of marriage with the Lamb, Christians anticipate more than an occasional encounter with God--though, in fact, some might be far more comfortable if He would be content to "see them off" to roam happily among the galaxies forevermore. Heaven is a wonderful idea if only they didn't have to meet up with God very often--once a week in a worship service, perhaps.
Our text today says that God is going to make His home with us! In other words, after the honeymoon (the millennium?) we are going to live together! And not at opposite ends of the universe, either! Those who find their times of communion with the Father to be their greatest joy on earth experience great agony in being separated from Him. A bride and groom do not wait eagerly for their wedding day so that they may continue to live apart! If they did, it would make no sense for them to consider marriage.
How, then, can it be so for some Christians? Simply enough, they understood that the only way to live forever is through "marriage" to God. Thus, it is considered a "marriage of convenience" in the hearts of many believers, rather than a celebration of the union of hearts. The astounding part of this is that they secretly think that God feels the same way--that He has to take us because of the death of Christ.
In choosing the marriage metaphor, God wanted to portray Himself as eager to live with us! "You'll be mine at last!" He exclaims from heaven. But only when our hearts burn with the same desire will He commence the wedding. Then He will wipe away the tears caused by separation from Him. And we shall be one.
See! The home of God is with men, and he will live among them. They shall be his people, and God Himself shall be with them. Rev. 21:3, Phillips.
Picture this: A lovely wedding has taken place. Candles were lit, vows taken, matrimonial cake shared. The bride, wreathed in smiles, waves as she rushes away to enjoy her long-awaited honeymoon--apart from the groom! Smiling indulgently, he sees his bride off, glad for her happiness. Having made her secure in his love and financial support, he is content for her to spend the rest of her life free from worry, though they will actually see little of one another.
Absurd? Of course. But let's stop and think a minute. In the metaphor of marriage with the Lamb, Christians anticipate more than an occasional encounter with God--though, in fact, some might be far more comfortable if He would be content to "see them off" to roam happily among the galaxies forevermore. Heaven is a wonderful idea if only they didn't have to meet up with God very often--once a week in a worship service, perhaps.
Our text today says that God is going to make His home with us! In other words, after the honeymoon (the millennium?) we are going to live together! And not at opposite ends of the universe, either! Those who find their times of communion with the Father to be their greatest joy on earth experience great agony in being separated from Him. A bride and groom do not wait eagerly for their wedding day so that they may continue to live apart! If they did, it would make no sense for them to consider marriage.
How, then, can it be so for some Christians? Simply enough, they understood that the only way to live forever is through "marriage" to God. Thus, it is considered a "marriage of convenience" in the hearts of many believers, rather than a celebration of the union of hearts. The astounding part of this is that they secretly think that God feels the same way--that He has to take us because of the death of Christ.
In choosing the marriage metaphor, God wanted to portray Himself as eager to live with us! "You'll be mine at last!" He exclaims from heaven. But only when our hearts burn with the same desire will He commence the wedding. Then He will wipe away the tears caused by separation from Him. And we shall be one.
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