Exodus 29

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 29:45

Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

OBSERVATION - What does it say?

God had given detailed instructions and requirements for the tabernacle, courtyard, altar, priests and their garments, sacrifices and offerings. And once fulfilled, God would consecrate all of it and only then would he dwell among them and be their God.

UNDERSTANDING - What does it mean?

God’s requirements had to be met in order for God to dwell with his people. Under the Old Covenant of the law, God's people had to fulfill many requirements in order to have God's presence with them. And as I read this, I found myself so grateful for the New Covenant; so thankful for Jesus and all he’s done for us. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, all the requirements of the law were fully satisfied for us who follow him! Done. The Old Covenant was about what man had to do and the New Covenant is about what God has already done.

Romans 8:3-4 "So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit." 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

Jesus changed everything! We are consecrated by the blood Jesus shed on the cross. The life we experience from continually being in his presence isn’t because of some good behavior or works we’ve accomplished. God’s presence among us and within us is only a result of God’s grace extended through Jesus Christ. Rather than having to fulfill all the requirements of the law in order to be saved and to enjoy God's presence, our only work is to believe in Jesus and rest in his completed work.

LIFE APPLICATION

Worship God for fulfilling all the requirements of the law for us and for his continual presence with us!

God, thank you for sending your Son! Thank you for fulfilling the law we could never fulfill. Thank you that we don’t have to wear special clothes to meet with you. Thank you that we don’t have to go to a special tent or to sacrifice animals to be in your presence. My heart is filled with gratitude as I enjoy your presence this morning. I worship you! Amen.

-Pastor Levi Thompson