“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16, 17).
The present reality and the future final establishment of God’s kingdom contains “the table event”: the gathering of God’s people around a table…a feast…to share food; enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate. The Christian (family) table is a celebration of God’s daily provision.
The present reality and the future final establishment of God’s kingdom is based on God’s presence.
The Bible tells us that God is everywhere. “This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?” (Isaiah 66:1).
Yet we read or hear about “the house of the Lord”; “God’s house”; God’s “dwelling place”. What is it, then? What does it mean?
The earliest reference to the house of God is in Genesis 28:10-22.
“…This is none other than the house of God…” (v.17).
Jacob sensed the presence of God and was quick to name the place the house of God. In this context, the house of God:
-offered a revelation: a stairway to heaven;
-filled Jacob with awe: “…this place is awesome…”;
-determined Jacob to set it up as a special place;
-led him to worship God.
The earthly constructions designated as “God’s house” have their place and importance (and their weak spots). The most important thing is that here on earth, His Church – the believers, “…are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Peter 2:5). Be a living stone!