Our Dwelling Place
by Ron Scurfield
Are we hungry for the things of God? Do we thirst with longing for a glimpse into His glorious presence? “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2). Our mind cannot begin to understand what this might be like. But one day we shall see Him, high and exalted, seated on a throne, robed in all His splendour and majesty.
‘Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled’ (Matthew 5:6). Are we hungry? Are we thirsty? Why do we long for a glimpse of His glory? Because it is where we belong. He is our foundation and our destiny. Jesus called Him Father and encourages us to do the same. “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” We too can see Him as our Father, our protector and our shield. He is the source of our very being.
We’re not longing to go back to where we’ve been. We’re looking forward to where we’re going. This is what spurs us on, living for Him, walking with Him and being with Him.
Just a glimpse is all we long for. A peek behind the curtain, just so that we know. Or do we sometimes fear we might have missed it? Do we fear our lives don’t measure up to what is required of us? Do we fear we have become so tainted with the world that we are unfit to approach His glory? No, we need to get rid these thoughts. ‘For you have already died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God’ (Colossians 3:3).
Jesus said, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15).
Perhaps we live with this dream that one day we will wake up in Paradise. But it`s not a hope, nor even a dream. It’s the truth of reality that is to come.
We don’t have to wonder, or hope, or fear, because it`s not what we do that earns our salvation. It’s what has already been accomplished. On the cross of Calvary Jesus shouted out in a loud voice, “It is finished.” All we need to do is repent, accept and receive it for ourselves.
The man on the cross next to Jesus hurled insults at Him. “Aren’ t you the Christ? Save yourself and us” (Luke 23:39).
The one on the cross at the other side had lived a life of sin and knew where his destiny lay. He recognised and feared his punishment for the sins he had committed. “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. This man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41). Then he turned his head towards Jesus. “Remember me, when you come into Your Kingdom.”
Jesus said to Him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43).
It’s never too late.
Ron Scurfield with his wife Jill, are part of the Associate Ministry Team at Ellel Grange and occasionally Ellel Scotland. Ron enjoys walking and writing and meeting interesting people, but his greatest joy is seeing God transform lives, setting people free to live the abundant life that Jesus intended.
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