Hotel or Home?

Before we go to much further in Psalm 15, I feel it is important to emphasize that this Psalm was written by David in the Old Testament before Jesus' death on the cross. So, what it means to dwell in His tabernacle, has a different meaning in the New Testament, than it did in the old.

I felt this verse needed two days to munch on, before we could move on to the rest of the chapter.

 "LORD, WHO shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill?" Psalm 15:1

I love this verse in the Amplified, because it shows the actual difference in the two words "dwell". In the Hebrew, they are different words.

The first one means to turn aside from the road, to lodge for the night - like getting a hotel room.

The second one (translated "live" in the NIV), means to abide, live among, stay, set up a dwelling. It is permanent.

In the Old Testament, God literally lived in the tabernacle. His glory dwelt there. The priests would take turn with their duties in the tent, but no one lived there. Once a year, the high priest went into the holy of holies where the glory of the Lord rested on the Ark of the Covenant. But it was very temporary.

This may not earn any theology awards, but I kind of look at the two different instances as the difference between the "dwelling" with the Lord in our private time with him and our "dwelling" with him for eternity, taking Him throughout our day.

Let me see if I can explain. Most of us, who have a heart for the Lord, strive for some one on one time with him - whether it is time in the Word or concentrated prayer. We long to be in God's concentrated presence....right there where His glory is. We long to soak up whatever He shares with us. Those are good times...like a trip to a nice hotel where we can turn aside and rest and get away from the business of life. But we are moms, and we have to emerge to the real world at some point.

However, the good news is, that moms who belong to the Lord have their eternal dwelling secure. We have a permanent place in the household of the Lord. Therefore, we can, go through our day secure in our dwelling. Knowing what we permanently have, and live in his presence throughout our day.

Does that make sense?

With the kids: How long has it been since you've had that concentrated time with just you and God? The best thing you can do for your kids, is show them how important that time with God is. Don't be afraid to teach them that mommy might need a time out to soak in the glory of the Lord every now and then. Don't be afraid to ask dad to watch the kids for an afternoon while you just meet with God. It is worth it!

Memorizing:  "LORD, WHO shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill?" Psalm 15:1