July 10: To Inhabit Eternity

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

Our heavenly Father is outside of time. He inhabits eternity. Yet He is intimately close to the mortal who has a contrite and humble spirit. The fullness of God’s character is expressed in great contrasts. He is indeed high and lofty, yet He tenderly condescends to be with us, even in our bleakest, lowest moments.

“Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD.  Jeremiah 23:24

The LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:9-10

His grace-filled plan, set before the foundation of the world, involves pursuing us, healing our sin-sick hearts and setting us apart to be His bride. We are to stand firm against the schemes of the evil one, confident that He is making us ready—as a bride without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27)—to abide with Him throughout the ceaseless ages. He has mercifully and repeatedly extended the invitation to lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12). He has said “I will give your life to you as a prize…” (Jeremiah 45:5)

We are mortal, but God has implanted something phenomenal in our thinking: a cursory understanding of the borderless vastness of eternity. Solomon said:

I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts... Ecclesiastes 3:10-11a