Devotion : Psalms 15- The qualities of a citizen of Heaven - Part 1

In this Psalm the Psalmist describes the qualities of a citizen of heaven. He is not talking about a tourist or a permanent resident but rather a citizen. In every country a citizen is required to fulfill certain obligations if he wants to belong to that particular country and call it home. It’s the same with our citizenship in heaven. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”. Colossians 1:13 tells us, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves”. The rescue and our citizenship of heaven are purely by God’s grace and grace alone. We did nothing to achieve it. However as a Christian goes through the process of sanctification, there ought to be some changes in his character and in his relations with God and people. Sadly many Christians still remain in the same mould from which they were hewn (Isaiah 51:1) and the words of 2 Cor 5:17 have no bearing whatsoever.

What does the tabernacle represent and how has its moved symbolically?

The tabernacle presents the presence of God. Tabernacle means “tent,” “place of dwelling” or “sanctuary.” It was a sacred place where God chose to meet His people, the Israelites, during the 40 years they wandered in the desert under Moses’ leadership. It was the place where the leaders and people came together to worship and offer sacrifices. The tabernacle would be in the center of the camp, and the 12 tribes of Israel would set up their tents around it according to tribe. It was a symbol of God’s presence. Only the priests were allowed to go into the Holy Place and the High Priest into the Holy of Holies to perform the roles ordained by God. It was seen as an external presence.

In the New Testament, Emmanuel (God with us) came and dweled amongst us. John 1: 14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The Greek word used here is skēnoō which means pitched His tabernacle amongst us. It was closer presence, among us.

After his death and resurrection, Emmanuel now dwells in the believer. 1 Cor 1:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you. 1 Cor 3:17 – “For God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple”. What amazement, the very presence of God now indwells in the believer. It is the internal presence, within us.

I am the walking temple of the living God.