This is one of the strongest themes throughout scripture. The OT tells the story of how mankind lost access to His presence. The NT tells of the rescue, through Jesus Christ, that God might dwell amongst His people for all eternity.
From the very start, God walked with man and woman in the cool of the day (Gen 3.8), We must presume this was the regular pattern; Adam and Eve enjoying communion with God daily. In this case, this was a physical tangible presence. Sadly, this was about to end. As a result of rebelling against God, Adam and Eve were cast out of His presence (v23-24).
In due course, the nation of Israel came into being. God brought them out of Egypt, out of slavery, and into covenant with Himself. Crucial to the outworking of this covenant was the Tabernacle. Scripture is clear that the Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place amongst His people (Ex 25.8-9). Hebrews 8 tells us this was a copy and shadow of the heavenly tabernacle which was not made with human hands.
In Israel’s journeys, the tabernacle reflected the transitory-ness of this life and provided a pointer towards God’s future eternal kingdom. Permanence is found in God, not in the things of this life.
Later, the Temple became a new dwelling place. Solomon was responsible for constructing the first temple. Writing to Hiram, King of Tyre, Solomon announced “I am about to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, … the temple I am going to build with be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.” (2 Chr 2.4-5). The scale of the temple and its riches were almost unimaginable. The volume of gold and silver was almost incalculable.
Sadly, it was not many years later, when Rehoboam, Solomon’s son became king, that Shishak, King of Egypt attacked Jerusalem, defeated its armies, removing “everything” (2 Chr 12.9), humiliating both Israel and its king.
Even in the shadow of the temple, this most glorious of structures, Israel and Judah (now separated) failed to enjoy God’s presence. Eventually both nations were driven into Exile.
Ezekiel speaks of God being a little sanctuary to those in exile. God was still present with His people. Writing to the Jewish exiles scattered across the Babylonian empire, Ezekiel writes; “This is what the Sovereign Lord says; ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’” (Ezek 11.16). The Jews found no temple, no place of worship outside of Judea. Ezekiel’s contemporary, Daniel found that the Lord became his sanctuary, a holy place to meet with God. We read that he made this a regular practice (Dan 6.10). And, like the tabernacle of old, this was a temporary measure.
The verse introduces Ezekiel’s first promise of restoration to the land (v17-21). “I will gather you, …” says the Lord. In spite of persistent rebellion, God’s promises would be fulfilled, His purposes cannot be thwarted. The people will once more enjoy God’s presence.
Moving into the NT, in Acts 7, Stephen was answering the accusation that he had spoken against “this holy place” (Acts 6.13), meaning the temple. Stephen answered this by demonstrating that God was not bound by the physical structure. Indeed, He frequently made Himself known outside the ‘promised land.’ Stephen referred to incidents in Genesis, mentioning Abraham and Joseph in particular, who enjoyed God’s presence and blessing outside of Canaan. Moses too lived his entire life outside of Canaan; either in Egypt or journeying from Egypt. Yet God was with him. Stephen highlighted this strong OT theme and paid with his life.
There is now a new dwelling place, the Church (Eph 2.22; 1 Cor 3.16). How is that presence experienced? Is it sufficient that we quote, ‘where two or three are present,’ or should we expect a tangible presence? Or identifiable proofs of His presence? Are words enough? Paul refers to a real and tangible presence of God in 1 Cor 14.25, “God is really among you.” Here God’s people meet with Him. And here unbelieving visitors are powerfully impacted.
Rom 5.1-2 highlights the privilege, enjoyed by all who belong to Christ, of access into the very presence of God. We come in confidence, not in fear, knowing that we are loved and accepted. We would be foolish to neglect this privilege.
And, scripture takes us to the end of the story, His story (history!). God’s dwelling place with His people (Rev 21.3). This outcome is guaranteed through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This motivates us, shaping our thinking. This is truly hope.