Sometimes it becomes necessary for us to take a moment to remember who we are, what we are doing, where we are going, and what our relationship is to God. We continually must call to mind our individual role as a king and priest of God. Otherwise we become sidetracked and lose our purpose and direction in all we are and do. Other interests and desires capture our imagination and heart. God is jealous of these secondary issues. He desires our complete attention at all times.

During the new heaven and earth reign of Christ the nations of the saved will pursue their own interests. They will "walk in the light" of the holy city and "bring their glory and honor into it" (Revelation 21:24). But the Wife of the Lamb will spend eternity in worship of God and in union with His Personality. Her role is priestly, and she will never forget her purpose among the nations of the earth.

The Bride cannot lose sight of her service and destiny because God Almighty and the Lamb will be dwelling in her midst.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)

The above passage sums up the work of God, from the creation of the heaven and the earth all the way to the descending of the new Jerusalem from the new heaven to its eternal resting place on the new earth.

It always has been God's desire to dwell among His creatures but sin has made it impossible. From the hour of Adam's sin to the malicious treatment Jesus received at the hands of the Jewish elders and the Roman soldiers, until the present hour, most people have not been able to practice righteousness, love mercy, or walk humbly with God. It is not possible for humans to conduct themselves in this simple and good manner because of their inheritance of sin, their wicked "shape" (Psalms 51:5), and the poisonous spiritual atmosphere of the age in which they are attempting to survive.

God revealed His eternal purpose, in Exodus 25:8:

"And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them."

Just thirteen words, but they encompass the Godhead, mankind, Heaven, earth, and thousands of years of travail, agony, triumph, and glory.

Jesus added to the revelation of Gods's intention to dwell in people:

Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)

From the Lord Jesus we learn that the dwelling place of God will be a living temple rather than a temple made from stone, gold, wood, or other nonhuman materials.

To be continued.