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God has been at work in every generation since time began. That’s indisputable. But what is His ultimate goal? We’re given a clue listening in on Jesus’ conversation with the Father: I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.
 
Since the Fall, God has been unfolding His redemptive plan for creation, restoring what was lost. We as believers have already been restored to a certain degree. Yet there is one thing we have not yet attained: to behold Him face to face; to know Him as He knows us; to see His glory.

It is not the exotic fruit we miss out on, nor the novelty of playing with lions. Neither is it a question of being exempted from having to work for our daily bread. The greatest loss to mankind since Adam and Eve left paradise was an intimate relationship with God and knowledge of Him.

Not all is lost, however. God is preparing this earth, and especially His church, for a face-to-face encounter with Him. He is shaking and breaking, moulding and forming us. He is shaping a people who will be ready to meet their God.

As I walk through difficult times in my life, often the only thing that keeps me going is the hope that I shall one day see Him. We who have this hope living inside us can forget those things that are behind and press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has also laid hold of us.

So what is God restoring in our time? And how can we be part of His work? 


The prophet Amos speaks of great calamity that will come against God’s people Israel, but towards the end of his message we find a turning point. God promises to leave a remnant and to restore the fallen tent of David.


Israel was not re-established as a nation until 1948, after almost 2000 years without a land of her own. On the very day that her nationhood was re-asserted, the prescribed scripture for Sabbath read in the synagogues was Amos 9—the tent of David will be restored.

 

When David ruled as king in Jerusalem, he pitched a tent right outside his house to have the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence, rest in Zion. He assigned 4000 Levites to minister to God day and night, through praise, worship and prayer. He wanted God to feel at home in Zion.

This is what we see today springing up all around the earth. Places of continuous worship and intercession are being established like never before. People in Gateways as in so many other ministries are sanctifying themselves, their homes and their time to God, aspiring to have Him dwell among them.

Will you prepare a place where He can meet you? Will you join with others who have the same hope, in mutual encouragement? Will you make a way for Him?

Jesus said: What I say to you, I say to everyone. Watch!

He is surely coming. The question is, are we ready to meet Him?

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