Leaves nip playfully
At each other
As they scamper across the yard
Without a thought
Dancing to the wind’s melody.
I watch
Wistfully wondering
When I last
So unconsciously
Moved with the music
Of God’s calling.
I fall to my knees.
Is. 66:1-2
Thus says the Lord:
"Heaven is My throne,
and earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
For all those things My hand has made,
and all those things exist,"
says the Lord.
"But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
and who trembles at My word."
A few weeks ago we hosted a couple in our home. Roy and I were both excited as we prepared for their stay. We cleaned their room, added fresh linen and shook out the curtains. We dusted behind, underneath, even in little nooks and crannies. The bathroom sparkled and new soaps were put out. We laid a basket on the bed with towels, washcloths, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Roy added shaving needs & Popular Mechanic as I put in chocolates, water, their favorite snacks and small welcome gifts. We were assured when they arrived they would be comfortable and cozy.
The Lord is asking us “Where is My place of rest?” and I had to stop to ask myself what I have done to welcome Him? Just as we find out what makes our friends feel comfortable in our homes, we much also learn about heaven to welcome our Father with a home-like atmosphere. Did I lay the chocolate on the bed, clean the bathroom, and change the sheets? In other words, have I cleaned up my life, watched the way I’ve spoken to others, the language I’ve used? Have I offered a hand in love for no other reason than it is what Christ would do? Have I set aside foolish thoughts and set my mind on Heaven. Have I made my life to be an invitation for Jesus to abide with me?
When Jesus said “on earth as it is in Heaven”, He was telling us that He longs for places on earth that reminds Him of heaven and where He feels at home. Bill Johnson says, “Prayer and radical obedience make such places possible. Everything we do, from raising healthy families to preaching the Gospel, from praying for the sick to leading people to Christ, is all done to complete this glorious assignment: Pray and obey until this world looks, thinks and acts like His world.” There is no amount of cleaning, no gifts; nothing we can build that will impress God. He created the entire universe.
It seems though that there is one thing Isaiah shares with us that will attract His favor: “On this one will I look (esteem or respect)…Him who is poor and of a contrite spirit and who trembles at My word.” Fear and Awe of the Word. Showing true reverence.
In John 14:23, Jesus replies, "All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them." I read that this is one of the few place in the Bible where the plural pronoun is used to describe God. So, in other words, when we open up to His Word, seek to be reverent, develop a sense of awe and begin to tremble as we breathe it in, the Triune God Himself will come into our lives, willing to make His home with us.
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