Revelation 7:15: Under His Tent
“…and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.” Revelation 7:15b
The word pictures painted by God in the Scriptures totally captivate me. A picture seared on the mind really is often worth a thousand words of text. The imagery of Revelation 7:15 is so simple, but its implications are profound.
The context of that verse revolves around those who will come to trust Jesus in the throes of the Great Tribulation, which is a time yet future. But the promise that applies to Tribulation-era believers also applies to God’s children today. “He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle (tent) over them.” What an awesome visual of the safety and security we have under God’s stalwart faithfulness. The Lord of Hosts who dwells in unapproachable light, whose voice thunders and all of creation quakes before Him…this Most High God has drawn close to you and me, stooped waaaay down in His mercy and grace, removed all barriers, and spread His personal dwelling tent – His most intimate place of relationship – over us (1 Timothy 6:16; Joel 3:16; Nahum 1:5; Psalm 29). We are “no longer strangers and aliens,” but are “of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19-22). We are forever adopted by Him as “sons” and “heirs” (Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:5-7; John 1:12). That. Takes. My. breath. Away.
Back in Old Testament times, the Jewish people lived in tents (tabernacles) in the wilderness. God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, but they hadn’t yet reached the land He had promised them. God didn’t wish them luck and leave them to figure it all out on their own. He directed Moses to construct another tent (a tent of meeting) where He would reside among – and yet apart from – the people (Exodus 25:8-9). Within the tent of meeting itself, there were several inviolable degrees of separation between the people and the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelled. They could not directly approach this holy God upon penalty of death. However, He appointed mediators (priests) to make an arms-length relationship possible. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – the Feast of Ingathering) commemorates this time in history, but it also foreshadows the day when God would tabernacle with His people completely unhindered (Leviticus 23:33-43; Hebrews 9:1-10:25). That’s why it was such a huge deal when the veil of separation was torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 8).
We, too, have been freed from the slavery of “Egypt” and are heading toward the eternal home Jesus has promised us...and He has not left us as orphans, either (John 14:16-18; Hebrews 13:5-6; Deuteronomy 2:7; 2 Peter 1:3). He has pitched His tabernacle over us, giving us direct access to Him right now, even as we look forward to the day when He will be physically present among us to wipe away our tears and make all things new (Hebrews 10:19-25; Revelation 21:3-7). Our heavenly Father has assured us that our relationship with Him is totally and eternally secure through the blood of Jesus (John 10:27-30; John 3:16-17; Numbers 23:19; 1 Corinthians 1:9). His Spirit has sealed us as His forever (Ephesians 1:13-14). We are safe under the refuge of His “pinions.” His faithfulness is a “shield and bulwark,” an impenetrable fortress (Psalm 91:1-4). You see, my Father knows me better than I know myself. He sees all my faults, foibles, and failures, yet He still desires to pull me close in spite of all that. He paid the horrific price my rebellion demanded so I could be forgiven and set free. It’s a gift that was agonizingly costly for Him, but it is free to me. Paid in full. No strings attached. His gift is undeserved, unable to be earned, and imperishable. Even when I’m out thrashing around in the brambles as a result of (yet again) choosing my own way instead of heeding His counsel, “He remains faithful [to me], for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). “For the Lamb in the center of the throne [is my] Shepherd” (Revelation 7:17; John 10:10-18; Psalm 23). That brings me to my knees. I don’t have the words to respond to something as powerful and wonderful as that.
I am living under the tent of Almighty God at this moment…and forever. What do I find here? Compassion. Acceptance. Purpose. Peace. Fulfillment. Joy. Empathy. Power. Lovingkindness. Commitment. Teaching. Reproof. Correction. Training in righteousness. Favor. Identity. Help. Strength. Protection. Provision. Nourishment. Truth. Rest. Wholeness. Contentment. Encouragement. Consolation. Healing. Life. It blows my mind to contemplate all that it means to be living in the house of Yahweh: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I am nothing, and yet by God’s grace, I get to “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life [and] behold the beauty of the Lord!” (Psalm 27:4).
Abba, “How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You…for a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:4,10). “No good thing does He withhold” from me (Psalm 84:11). “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
“O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!” (Psalm 84:12)