by Andrea Zauflik

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. — John 1:14

People frequently ask Frank and me about dwelling when they learn we minister in four countries yet own no home in Europe. Living with a foot on two continents is difficult. So, with amazement, I fix my heart on the idea of God having dwelled on this earth.

He came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He gave up all the comforts of His home in heaven to be homeless. Leaving a world of supreme glory, He forfeited all His rights and privileges as God. Instead of living among angels in an atmosphere of love, He became flesh to live on earth among people (and Satan) who despised Him.

His first dwelling was a manger, where he lay swaddled in rags. Later, He surrendered His life nailed to a wooden cross with the sins of humanity heaped upon Him.

God did that for us, because He knew we couldn’t get to Him unless He first came to us. He came for one purpose: to bring Himself to us; to bring God to us. He pursues us.

Before becoming a Christian, I sought meaning and love in odd places. While I was least worthy, God ran after me to overcome the separation between us. He reached through the experiences in my life, whether full of joy or sin. He dwelled with me in my world until I was ready to take His hand and follow Him to His. Even this will to respond I know was His gift. Maybe your story is similar. We may talk about finding God, but He seeks us out first.

After my conversion at age 23, I zealously worked for the Lord, trying to prove that I was a real Christian all the while feeling insecure because of my Jewish family. My joy diminished the harder I worked.

Again, God the Initiator taught me that I was ignoring the other gift offered at the time of my conversion—His Holy Spirit. We can have so much more than just the guarantee of heaven. The One who came to give us the gift of believing, presents us with a gift of new life and the power to live victoriously.

First He dwelled among us, now He dwells in us. While not in the flesh, He remains here in the Spirit. He promised to those who loved Him and kept His commandments, that with the Spirit, He would come, and the Father would also come and make Their abode with them. I am thankful that God’s steps toward us never end. He loves us enough to be devoted to renewing us in His image. When exhausted by travel, frustrated by a lack of measurable results of ministry, overwhelmed by loneliness, when busyness causes emptiness, God’s Spirit creates in me a longing. He calls me out of the frenzied pace, and He gives me the gift of Himself again. Then because of His plan, through His Word with His Spirit, I have His abiding presence. In His power, I have His peace, and I dwell with Him.

Yes, God came to us. At the beginning of His earthly life, we find Him in a lowly stable. At the end of His earthly life, we find Him hanging, agonizing on a cruel cross. For us. Dwelling in those places, He brought to us the opportunity to dwell with Him both here on earth and for eternity.

Week 6: Reflections

1. What better time than Christmas to focus on the immeasurable gift of His coming to Earth.
   • This Christmas, can you honestly say that Jesus is the most wonderful gift you have ever been given?
   • If not, what are you holding in higher esteem? What keeps you from saying, "I’d rather have Jesus?"
2. "He became what we are that He might make us what He is." We have been chosen to be conformed to the image of Christ.
   • Take some time to think about the person you were meant to be—filled with Christ, guided by the mind of Christ, working through the power of Christ.
   • Is there anything keeping you from experiencing the fullness of being like Christ?
3. Jesus came to earth willingly sacrificing everything that stood in the way of accomplishing the Father’s will for our lives. Is there something you need to surrender so that God can do His will in your life?

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