The ancient Israelite sanctuary was a revelation to our dull human senses of the Reality of Christ's ministry as the world's High Priest in His heavenly sanctuary.
The purpose of their building Him a sanctuary was not to bottle Him up inside it, but to make it possible for Him to "dwell among you" (Ex. 25:8). The Lord Jesus loved His people; and love always wants to be near you.
The earthly high priest was everybody's "grandfather," someone sympathetic to each one's need; Jesus is not a heavenly policeman trying to catch you in something wrong, but a heavenly Attorney at court seeking to defend you.
His closing words to His followers were: "'Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen'" (Matt. 28:19, 20). The "amen" means "Yes! It is true! You can believe this!"
"I am with you!" We cannot see Him; for He is physically beyond our sight--which is a great blessing, otherwise only a few could "see" Him physically and the great masses of us would be bereft of His presence.
In order for us to realize that He is "with" us we must "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," according to Philippians 2:5-8. Our "minds" must be surrendered to the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
This is an exercise of our souls--to expel our worldly thoughts and cares. "Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret" (Matt. 6:6). Remember, you are not taking the initiative to "find" the Lord; you are letting Him take the initiative in finding you. The Two of you are together in that prayer--the Father and you. He cares about you; for He is lonely without you. Jesus and the Father are "one" and Jesus now belongs to us--forever. Revel in that thought of truth--on your knees.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
