Through the Bible: ExodusSample
Holy Presence
There I will meet the people of Israel, and the dazzling light of my presence will make the place holy. I will make the Tent and the altar holy, and I will set Aaron and his sons apart to serve me as priests. I will live among the people of Israel, and I will be their God.
Exodus 29:43-45 (GNT)
Exodus 28-30 gives instructions to the priests about entering the Tent of God’s presence. They must dress with dignity and beauty, provide the very best offerings, and perform certain rituals carefully. In the same way that one prepares extensively to welcome a VIP. God’s people are instructed how to welcome Him in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.
Welcome Him for what? So that God can live among His people (29:45) – which is the climactic ending of Exodus (40:34). In fact, a key storyline across the Bible is God living among His people once again, restoring the relationship that was broken in Genesis 3.
However, we also see in the passage that ultimately, it is not our actions that make the Tent holy, but God. The Lord living among us is the result of His loving grace and kindness, not our striving. Jesus coming to us epitomises this. However, will we receive Him by preparing our hearts and turning back to Him?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for living among us: there is none like You! We gladly prepare our hearts and cleanse our hands, enjoying Your presence and following Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About this Plan
As the name suggests, the book of Exodus is about the departure of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt to the land God promised to Abraham. This is an invitation for the people to leave from bondage to freedom, to be called “My People” by God. Is there anything in life that is putting you in bondage? Do you want to be free? Join us as we journey through Exodus.
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