Revelation 15:5-6
After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.
A number of our women went to a conference in Lancaster PA and while they were there, they visited a replica of the Tabernacle that Mennonite Life runs nearby. They were in awe. Imagine the awe of the Israelites when they saw the Shekinah glory of the Lord descend in a cloud on the Tabernacle. Imagine also, what the seven churches thought as John described seeing a vision of this tent in heaven with seven angels coming out of it. There the Ark of the Covenant contained the stone tablets of the law, the staff of Aaron that budded, and a jar of Manna. They reminded the people of God’s precepts, power, and provision. Here John saw the coming judgment of God. What a sight!
Instead of the Tabernacle, we have the church. Indeed, we are the church! This church displays God’s grace in forgiving us, his power with Jesus Christ as the head, and his provision with the Holy Spirit guiding and directing the church. As the seven churches were experiencing the beginnings of persecution under Domitian, they may have longed for the days of the tent when God was there in the cloud. Today, take comfort in the promise that God is here with us and Jesus will soon return as he ascended after conquering death; on the clouds.
O Heavenly Father, from the days of the Tabernacle to the end of the age, you are with us. Help us endure to the end so we can see Jesus on the clouds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.