“Better in Your Courts”
How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (Ps 84)
You are warmly welcome! Good News: Our God Reigns!
The weeks ends, but the revival continues. We have had a reinvigorating week – the annual Prayer and Revival Week that we conclude today; our theme, “Preserved and Raise for a Purpose” (Esther 4:14) will continueto speak way beyond the week. Those who missed can catch parts of the message on YouTube or Facebook. Today, we find Jesus exemplifying Psalm 84 in which the Sons of Korah expressed their utmost preference for the courts of the Lord. Those who dwell in God’s presence are blessed, they are always praising the Lord, they go from strength to strength, they pray confidently and receive answers, they are satisfied and have peace.
As a baby and first-born male, Jesus was presented in the Temple in accordance with the Jewish customs of the day, with the attendant sacrifice and ritual. However, it was more than just a dedication; Simeon and Anna met the blessed couple and spoke very prophetic words about the baby Jesus, calling him big names as the Holy Spirit led them. Jesus is God’s salvation manifested, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel (Luke 2:30-32). He was not only presented to His Father, but also revealed to the people to whom he was sent as the Saviour. In the courts of the Lord, the Saviour meets the people, and both are filled with the joy of fellowship and deliverance.
Much later when he was twelve years old, Jesus went with his parents to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover. One the way back home, they realized he was missing, and it took a three-day search to find him – and the anxious parents found him in the Temple, busy fellowshipping with the Teachers of the Law. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:49) Jesus was at home and at peace in the Father’s house – indeed how ‘lovely is Your dwelling place…’ Jesus knew his purpose from the time he was young, and deeply loved the presence of His Father.
As a first born, Jesus’ dedication reminds us that all children belong to God, and all we have belongs to Him. We are also reminded that our Father’s presence is where we truly belong; and here we find forgiveness of sin, renewed strength to serve God and serve people, and here we find our purpose for life. Just as the Sons of Korah in Psalm 84, may you always prefer God’s presence, and there dwell securely. God bless you!