I read an interesting, new (for me) perspective on something I thought I’d share.
I’ve always been taught that when Jesus died and the veil in front of the Holy of Holies was torn in two, that meant we now have access to God directly. I’m now reading The Second Reformation by William Beckham for one of my seminary classes and it offers an additional perspective — that the Shekinah of God departed the Holy of Holies at that time and returned at Pentecost. From the book:
“At Pentecost, Christ began incarnating Himself into the church through the Spirit. The upper room has become the spiritual epicenter of the living presence, the mighty power and divine purpose of God on earth. What the stable was to the physical incarnation of Christ in the world in the flesh, the upper room has become to the spiritual incarnation of Christ in the world through His church. The Shekinah of God which accompanied the children of Israel in the wilderness, was in the midst of the camp in the tabernacle, and departed the temple Holy of Holies at the death of Jesus has returned! The incarnation seed sown by Christ in His death on the cross has been born at Pentecost.”
Anybody heard this perspective before? Any thoughts on it?
I’ve never heard of it; however, it reminds me of Dick Foth’s sermon last weekend….Immanuel - God with us…and of something that he said in his closing prayer…Immanuel - God with us in the flesh, (that is, now) living inside each of us (believers) (Parenthesis mine)!
Pat
December 6th, 2007
His promise to send His Spirit upon His ascending to Heaven was dealt with and given when the Disciples saw Him leave their midst. As for it being manifested, in the context of the Word… yes at Pentecost. However, this is the first time we read about the outpouring. I would still say that His Spirit was working immediately after He ascended.
As for the Shekinah Glory remaining over top the Temple (Camp of Meetings)and it following the children through the wilderness journey… yes I agree. The Theomphanies (spelled right?) of God (outward manifastation) were always in the midst of creation as Genesis reveals that the Spirit hovered over the waters. I guess all in all some things have not been spelled out for us fully through His Word (Bible). So, they are left to our wondering.
Really like how you opened this up….it made me think about it. Keep growing Heather!
Your friend in Christ,
Eric Darr
Eric Darr
December 6th, 2007
Hey Eric-
Just wanted to clarify and give credit where credit is due.
Actually, that was Ryan who wrote that entry.
HZ
Heather Z
December 7th, 2007