Sharing Scripture — May 17, 2025

Texts: Isaiah 6:6–8; 14:12–14; Genesis 3:21–24; Ezekiel 1:4–14; Revelation 4:1–11; Numbers 2:3–25

This year saw some of our favorite passenger vehicles meet the chopping block as manufacturers move toward producing more spacious, versatile electric vehicles (EVs). Affordability, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to be playing too big of a role in the transition. At least for now.

That’s where SLATE finds its niche. The EV startup vows to offer space, comfort, simplicity, and most importantly, affordability – move over, Tesla and Rivian! As an added bonus, SLATE EVs allow the owners to personalize them – trucks by day, SUVs by night if the owner so likes. They can even change their color (for a small fee).

What a long way the auto industry has come since 1908 when Henry Ford introduced the Model T, effectively placing affordable vehicles on the market for everyday Americans. Its a vision that SLATE clings to 117 years later.

Just as with the evolution of the automobile, God’s ways of reaching and dwelling with humans modify with the times. However, the basic components of God’s tabernacling with us remain unchanged.

Throughout the Bible we can see various images of God’s heavenly throne (Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 4) surrounded by adoring seraphim. As God is eternal, we can assume that the throne and the constant presence of the seraphim predate the creation of our world.

Then came Eden, where God and humanity dwelt together until Adam and Eve’s deliberate disobedience. Upon their removal from Eden, cherubim guarded Eden (and therefore God’s presence, or “throne”). But the Heavenly Father would not separate from Creation.

A workaround was the moving tabernacle, containing the Ark of the Covenant, that traveled with the Israelites for 40 years. The Ark symbolized God’s throne, or mercy seat, and not surprisingly, was guarded by two crafted cherubim.

Eventually, King Solomon constructed the Temple of Solomon, where God’s presence continued dwelling over the mercy seat of the Ark, residing in the Holy of Holies. Unfortunately, this temple would be destroyed by the Babylonians.

But it wasn’t the end of God dwelling among the Israelites.

Eventually arose the reconstructed Temple of Zion, which would remain God’s “home on earth” until Christ’s death on the cross.

Matthew records that at Christ’s death, the veil of the temple was torn (Matthew 27:50-51), signifying that humanity would no longer need to visit the temple and offer sacrifices to be near God. Rather, God would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, thereby making us living temples – living thrones! (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

And as living thrones cleansed by Christ’s blood and filled with the Spirit, we have been gifted the opportunity to share God’s presence with others (Isaiah 6:6-8) until the glorious day when all of God’s children will dwell with the Godhead in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21).

God’s throne always has been and always will be with us. Isn’t that amazing?

 

For Reflection

Sharing: Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 4, and Isaiah 6:1-4 describe God’s throne and its surroundings. Consider the similarities and differences in the descriptions. Are these just symbols to help us understand God’s authority and majesty? Or, is there a literal throne in heaven? Prayerfully consult the scriptures before drawing a conclusion.

1. Literal, because it appears again in the vision of the New Jerusalem
2. These are symbols created for beings who were surrounded by kingdoms
3. There’s no mention of a throne in Eden, so it’s probably symbolic
4. There’s a literal throne in heaven but it never was nor will be on Earth
5. It’s nice to consider, but there’s weightier salvific issues to focus on
6. Other:

Applying: How can we introduce the concept of “living temples” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) to others?

~ Stefani Leeper

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