We Will Enjoy His Presence Forever, February 3
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Tom Corbell
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3 NIV).
What if you could dwell with God? He could be your roommate. You could let Him have the master suite with the walk-in closet and the sunken tub and you take the guest room down the hall. You could make Sunday breakfasts together as you chat about everything and nothing. He’d probably offer you some insight into things you’d never considered. You’d share your favorite music and He’d share His favorite book. In the evenings you’d catch up about how your days went and share any plans for tomorrow. Dwelling with God sounds great.
It’d be wonderful to dwell with God every day, but especially on the bad days. Cancer has bad days. Days when your body, your mind and your feelings drag. How lovely would it be to spend such a day dwelling with your heavenly Father?
There have been occasions when God dwelled on earth. Actually, the Bible gives an interesting record of the dwelling places of God. First, God walked with man in the Garden of Eden. Can you see yourself taking a walk with God through the garden in the cool of the evening? (See Genesis 3:8.) Then, He dwelt with God’s people in the tabernacle. This was a huge tent so the people of Israel could pack up and take God’s dwelling place with them everywhere they went. It was like being on a lifelong camping trip with God hanging out in the tent next to you (see Exodus 25:8-9). Later, God had His people build a temple for Him to dwell in (see 1 Kings 7,8). When God’s people sinned, God had to depart from those dwellings.
Dwelling separated from His people was not OK with God. This is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to "tabernacle" among us. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 ESV).
Today, God does not live in man-made temples, but in the bodies of His people. That means God dwells in chemotherapy pods, radiation rooms, doctor’s waiting rooms and especially in your home at three a.m. when you just can’t sleep. Why is God dwelling there? Because you are there, and God dwells within you. Even though God dwells in believers today by His Spirit, our verse today tells us of a magnificent city where one day we will dwell in God's presence and enjoy Him forever.
Pray: Lord, help me to keep the knowledge that You always dwell with me uppermost in my heart and mind. Amen.
Your Turn: Take a minute and think about your bad cancer days. Even though God is with you everywhere, list three places that stand out on your bad cancer days. Now, write down John 1:14 (on a card, your phone, your tablet, etc.) and read this verse before you enter these places: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV).
Tom Corbell, Hospice Pastor
Tom is a Lutheran pastor who has served Jesus in both North and South Carolina for forty-nine years. Six of those years he worked as a Hospice Chaplain, and he encountered cancer daily. The privilege of praying, working with and supporting cancer patients and their families is an honor.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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