September 1, 2020
Dearly Beloved, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today, is from the book of Psalm 84:1-3, How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young -place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
David penned this psalm when he was forced by Absalom his son, to quit his city, over which he lamented his absence from the city not because it was the royal city but because it was the holy city. The psalmist here with great devotion expresses his affection for the holy city. This psalm speaks about the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which was in ancient times, one of the most religiously hallowed places in the world. This Psalm is considered to be an account of the experience of a pilgrim going to the temple in Jerusalem for a religious festival. But what makes going there so “special” is that, this is the dwelling place of the “Lord of hosts. “
This “Lord of hosts” is also the “Living God” , the Holy one who dwells in Zion as one who is dynamic, at work, among men whom he has created. So the excitement is not about going to the particular place, but more about the very presence of God. It is because of God’s presence that the psalmist says, “Happy are those who live in your house.” Even the birds seek to be in the presence of God and thus find homes among God’s altars. People had to pass through the valley of Baca to reach the holy temple. The valley of Baca is known as a notoriously dry place. But God provided springs for the pilgrims to quench their thirst, while they passed through the valley.
Those who experience God’s real presence are brought into a new reality of life, where even a dry valley, can yield springs and be covered with rain. The living God uplifts and empowers through this new reality, in a way, just as God led and sustained his chosen people through the wilderness and into the promised land, flowing with milk and honey. God’s presence may also be found, however, in the dry valleys and journeys of life where one may not expect to find God. Even here the Lord of hosts, who is also the living God, brings springs, rain, and strength to those who seek the ever-abiding presence of the one whose home is among mortals.
The Tabernacle where God dwells is so lovely. When you go in search of God into the tabernacle you will find the presence of God. He will fulfil all that you ask for, when you go to the church. Many do not seek God; hence they fail to receive His blessings.
Dearly Beloved, enter into His presence, to sing, to praise and worship God. And God reveals His power to the people who come to seek him. God knows your pain your sorrow, the shame you go through and all the problems that you face daily. He knows the thoughts of your heart. He takes note of all your problems and records all the details of your mind. You experience the goodness of God in His dwelling place. The Psalmist says, Lord has provided even the sparrow a house and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young ones. When God can provide the sparrow, and swallow, will he not meet your needs? Surely He will bless you if you come into His tabernacle. Hallelujah. ! May God help you to enter His gates with thanksgiving.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord we thank you for revealing the importance of tabernacle. We are thankful that You are present in the Tabernacle. Today all the tabernacles are closed. This may be because of our sin in not realizing the goodness of worshiping God. Please forgive our sins and open the tabernacle that we may once again go to the church and worship God in truth and spirit, as those who went to the Mount Temple in Jerusalem as pilgrims.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
