And He left them, and went out of the city into Bethany, and He lodged there. Matthew 21:17
The magnificence of the temple drew people from all over the known world to see it; the beauty and splendour of Jerusalem was legendary and attracted visitors from far and near just to be within its walls. This was the seat of the only God-given religion in the world. This was what Jesus Himself said was His Father’s house. This was the place where, reportedly, God had His dwelling place on Earth. And yet, we find the Lord Jesus did not remain there, but went outside of Jerusalem to a little village where His friends lived, and made their place His residence. This is exactly what Jesus has done in this period of human history.
Where does God dwell in the world? We read of the tabernacle in the wilderness and how, after it was completed according to the pattern God gave Moses, the presence of the Lord was there. We read of the greatness and splendour of Solomon’s temple, and how, after it was constructed according to God’s pattern, God’s presence filled the house. Nothing remains of the tabernacle or of all its furnishings. Nothing remains of the temple except one solitary wall. Is there nowhere else that is God’s dwelling place? Is there no other place for which He gave a pattern and in which He took up residence? Oh, yes, there is! Can we find this dwelling place for God today? Oh, yes, we can! The tabernacle and the temple were where God made His residence among His earthly people, the Israelites. These were the focal point for all their activities, the centre of their service and worship. Now, God has temporarily set aside His earthly people and has taken up His dealings with a heavenly people. So we do not have an earthly temple made with hands. But we have a spiritual building composed of all those who are in Christ. And God has local representations of that great spiritual building. Local Assemblies of Christians gather according to the pattern God gave the apostles. And in today’s text, we find such a dwelling place. Jesus’ true friends lived in Bethany. Lazarus appreciated that Jesus had restored him to life, Mary sat at His feet to learn, and Martha served Him. This family represents the place where Jesus still dwells today.
Our Assemblies, where we claim the Lord’s presence, are marked by thankfulness, learning, and true service for Him. Do we make such a dwelling place the center of our lives? -Jim MacIntosh