Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them… I. THE SENTIMENTS OF WHICH THIS PROCLAMATION IS EXPRESSIVE. 1. The exultation of joyous discovery. 2. The rapture of sacred astonishment. 3. The eagerness of solemn expectation. 4. A benevolent interest in all that pertains to the welfare and destiny of man. 5. The satisfaction of devout intelligence, beholding in the events which it contemplates fresh attestations of the stability and fulness of their own eternal welfare, as dependent on the Divine counsels and character. 6. Preparation for instant and cheerful concurrence in the effectuation of God's purposes, and the advancement of His glory. II. THE EVENTS BY WHICH THIS PROCLAMATION IS CALLED FORTH. 1. It is impossible not to be directed, in the first place, to the wonders of providence, as exhibiting, in all their succession and variety, the immediacy of God's concern for human welfare, and the individuality, as well as constancy, of His regard. 2. But we turn to a still more elevated subject, and notice the sublimer wonders of redemption, as adapted pre-eminently to arouse the emotions and corroborate the sentiments which our text embodies. 3. We would briefly advert to the mysteries of sanctifying influence, as signalising the residence of the Spirit of God even in the hearts of His people. 4. The final revelations of the Divine power and greatness, both at the close of time, and through the ages of eternity. III. For the direct improvement of this inquiry, let us now examine THE MANNER WHEREIN IT TEACHES US TO REFLECT BOTH ON OUR PRIVILEGES AND OUR DUTY. 1. We should meditate upon this subject with mingled gratitude and wonder, as on a theme majestic even beyond our highest contemplation, and yet not too elevated for our hopes. 2. We should reflect on the subject before us with united watchfulness, diligence, and trust, by which alone we can practically realise the enjoyment of so great a blessing. 3. Let us connect our meditations, in relation to the truth thus certified, with a correspondent appreciation of every ordinance which confirms it, and every symbol whereby it is made known. 4. The consideration of this blessing should inspire us with sacred ambition and a generous ardour to diffuse both its knowledge and its participation among those who are yet destitute of its enjoyment. 5. Let us, finally, contemplate the declaration of the text with holy and unquenchable desire directed habitually towards that happy period, wherein it shall attain the perfect disclosure of its import and the perpetuity of its unlimited fulfilment. (R. S. McAll, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. |
    |