"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." (Matthew 17:4)
I always get tickled when I read this passage. I may have mentioned it before, but I laugh at Peter because we are all a little bit like him. Here he is in the presence of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (who have both been dead at this point for centuries!) and he doesn't know what to say - but he's just gotta do something! I know how he feels in that moment.
If you have ever experienced what theologians call the rapture or ecstasy of God you understand. There is a feeling of a complete loss of control, of temporary loss of your senses, a blissful unawareness of the passage of time when one gets in the Presence of the Eternal One. People used to tease me because when the Spirit of God was moving in a service, I would begin to cry. Happy tears, tears of blessing, of release, of gratitude. Others might have been running the aisles of the church while many were dancing in the Spirit, but I stood immobile weeping before my King. How awesome to be in His Presence!
And yet, there is a deeper connotation to this passage we often forget. Although Peter's intention was good (he wanted to always remember this spot - this place where God came together before his eyes - the world doesn't need another tabernacle or church building. Peter wanted to consecrate this ground, dedicate it to the worship and service of Jesus - and that's a good thing. But Jesus doesn't call us to be stagnant, to stop, to set up camp and remain in place. His command was (later), "Go ye into all the world..." He doesn't call us to a building, He calls us to BE the temple, to BE the church, to sanctify and consecrate wherever we are, because where we are HE IS.
Today I challenge you, no matter where you find yourself - at the Farmer's Market, at work, at home, or just running errands - to BE the church. To be the hands of God extended to a world lost and dying. BE the healing someone needs. BE the deliverance someone so desparately is seeking. BE a hug to someone who is hurting. In so doing, you are the living manifestation of Christ on the earth.
Be blessed.
Comments