Hosanna Restoration Church

In our part of the country there is usually a tent or a canopy up at graveside services. No doubt it is this way all over the country and if it is, then you should be able to see the picture that came to my mind as I read this scripture in Isaiah. I chose this translation because I liked the picture of the canopy, but other translations speak of a tent or a tabernacle and the New King James says over all the glory there will be a covering. The point is that the Lord has provided a tent of His presence and cover of glory in Christ Jesus. We just need to enter in.

So here is the picture. When people arrive at the cemetery the tent, tabernacle, canopy, shelter or whatever you prefer to refer to is as is already there. The people come and everyone stands outside the tent. No one goes in while they wait for the family. Around here, it can be snowing, raining, wind blowing forty miles an hour, or the sun baking down in 100 degree heat, and still no one goes into the shelter.

When the family comes, they are ushered into the tent and still people stand outside. If the weather is really terrible people may get close and use the sides of the tent for a wind break, but until someone says get in the tent, people wait, and even then some stay outside the shelter.

In the beginning they wait, because it is understood that the shelter is for the family. Some close friends will of course be included with the family but family is family! As I looked at this picture, it struck me that the Kingdom of God is this same way.

God has provided the tent of His presence. It is the glory over all the earth. He provided this for us in the person of Jesus Christ. His presence is for the family. Others stand outside waiting for the family to invite them in.

Not everyone comes in when they are invited but those who do, enjoy the same shelter as the family. Truly, the worse the weather is, the more likely people are to crowd into the tent. When everything is fine outside people just stand around and enjoy the day, but let the wind blow and the temperature be a fifty below wind chill, or it be raining cats and dogs, and people jump at the opportunity to get in or crowd close if there is no room. In the same way, stormy times draw people closer to the tabernacle of His presence.

The covering of God has unlimited space. We as family must be sure to offer His glory to those standing outside waiting for a place of refuge. True, some prefer to keep looking in, but it means a lot to them to at least be offered a place with a smile, a prayer, or kind word!

In a sense, because the glory of the Lord dwells in us, we carry the place of refuge around us ready at any and all times to be a shelter from storm and rain. We just need to be ready and the Lord will show us the best place for the canopy.