What other scriptures emphasize God's desire for a relationship with His people? Opening the Door of Intimacy Song of Solomon 5:4 sets the tone: “My beloved put his hand through the latch-hole; my heart pounded for him.” The picture is of the bridegroom reaching through a closed door, yearning for fellowship. Scripture repeatedly echoes this same heartbeat of God for His people. Knocking, Entering, Dwelling – Key Doorway Passages • Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • John 10:9 – “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.” First Pages of Scripture: God Walking Toward Us • Genesis 3:8-9 – Even after the fall, “the LORD God walking in the garden” calls, “Where are you?” He initiates restoration. • Exodus 25:8 – “They are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.” • Leviticus 26:11-12 – “I will put My dwelling among you... I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.” • Deuteronomy 4:7 – No other nation had its God “near them whenever we call on Him.” Heart Cries in the Psalms • Psalm 27:8 – “My heart said of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, O LORD, I will seek.” • Psalm 23:6 – “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” • Psalm 73:28 – “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.” Prophetic Love Language • Isaiah 43:1-4 – “I have called you by name; you are Mine... You are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you.” • Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving devotion.” • Hosea 2:19-20 – “I will betroth you to Me forever in righteousness... and you will know the LORD.” • Zephaniah 3:17 – “The LORD your God is among you... He will rejoice over you with singing.” God With Us in the Gospels • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” • Luke 15 (lost sheep, coin, son) – Three stories of relentless pursuit, culminating in the Father running to embrace the prodigal. • John 17:24 – Jesus prays, “Father, I desire that those You have given Me be with Me where I am.” Calvary Proves the Invitation • Romans 5:8 – “God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • Ephesians 2:13 – “You who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ongoing Fellowship by the Spirit • 1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son.” • 1 John 1:3 – “Indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” • John 15:4 – “Remain in Me, and I in you.” The Grand Finale – Eternal Residence Together • Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them.” The storyline that begins with a hand through the latch-hole ends with wide-open gates; the Lover of our souls finally lives face-to-face with His people forever. |
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