Looking at David’s desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life (Ps. 27:4) is an encouraging lesson for us. How wonderful to have our heart’s affections directed to the Lord. The truth is, though, this aspiration is only possible because Christ first desired to have us with Him. The verse for today follows the same formula we read in John’s first epistle: “we love Him because He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).

Consider what the Lord is saying by expressing this desire. Who could the Lord of glory surround Himself with? Mighty angels who cover their faces in His presence? Great men such as Moses and Elijah who were powerfully used by the Lord? Yes, angels are there, and it is true that Moses and Elijah are in His presence; but when the Lord was speaking to His Father in John 17, those around Him of whom He spoke were simple people: fishermen, a tax collector, etc. These are the ones He would ask His Father to be with Him, and we are included in that as well (Jn. 17:20)!

The Lord Jesus proved how much He loved us beyond a shadow of a doubt on the cross. There is no greater love than this! Yet this love does not only provide for our sin but makes us fit to be in His presence. He wants us to be with Him!

A loving parent will look to provide for their child, to make sure they have what they need. But what is more precious to a parent than to spend time with their child? Christ could look at us in our circumstances and provide for our every need. He could take care of our sin by taking it upon Himself. He lavished blessings on us, none of which we deserve. But there is more! He knows that what we need the most is to be in His presence. His promise is, “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (14:3).