Blessings!
Today’s Promise is Acts 15:16 KJV:
“After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.”
Devotion:
James quoted this prophecy from Amos 9:11 in regards to the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s Kingdom.
A tabernacle is a tent or shelter, in this case erected to house the presence of God. A place for God to cohabit with man. The human body is often referred to in Scripture as a tabernacle. It houses our spirits, but Christ enabled us to house the Spirit of God as well, thus making us the Temple of God. This promise isn’t about some building in Jerusalem, this is about you.
But why rebuild the tabernacle of David? Why not the grand temple of Solomon? First let me just say that the name David means “beloved.” Secondly, when David brought the Ark of the Testimony back to Jerusalem, he established a new sacrifice. That of continual praise and worship before the presence of the Lord. Even David, the king of Israel, stripped off his kingly robe and took on the garment of a priest to minister to the Lord with dancing, thanksgiving, and praise. He did not think himself above being a “fool” for God, but humbled himself as a child. This is what made him “a man after God’s own heart.”
This is exactly what the tabernacle “which is fallen down” is referring to. Nothing can be rebuilt or fortified unless it is first leveled. It is better to humble ourselves as David did, than to wait for God to do it for us, but it must be done if we are to house God’s presence. The key to carrying the glory of God is cultivating a continual attitude of humility, thanksgiving, and praise. The good news is, what God builds up, no one can tear down!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to live in me. I want You in all Your fullness, so I choose this day to repent for any and all attitudes and beliefs about You and myself that I have put before knowing You. I choose this day to give You thanks and praise in all things. Not for who I think You are or want You to be, but for who You truly are! Please reveal Yourself to me, in Jesus’ name, and to the world through me as I surrender to Your will, oh, Lord. Amen!
Have a victorious day in the Lord!
Rebecca
