Neighbors

Exodus 23:14-25:40 Matthew 24:29-51 Psalm 30 Proverbs 7:24-27

Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. – Exodus 25:8 TNIV

God wanted to live among His people. But there was a problem. His presence, His glory, His perfect character of justice and goodness, would kill His people who were full of sin, injustice, and selfishness. That’s why they were not allowed to come to the mountain of God. There was nothing His people could do to protect themselves from God’s holiness.

Fortunately, God had a plan. A way He could dwell with them and protect them while recreating them into people who could live with Him forever. God would have a tent, just like His people did. But this tent would represent Jesus and all the things He would do to rescue His people. His people would come to His tent to worship Him and to learn about Him and His ways. They would be protected by a curtain that would hide God’s glory and holiness.

God still wants to live among His people. He wants more than just a building we visit regularly, He wants to live in our hearts. We can still look for the messages in the Sanctuary that Jesus is King of the universe with a throne, the light of the world, and our sacrifice. For now, we wait until the day when He comes back and He will live among us without a curtain to hide His glory.

Lord Jesus, we want to be citizens in Your kingdom. We want You not to live just among us, but in our hearts. Thank You for rescuing us from the sin that is destroyed by Your glory. Come soon so we can see You face to face at last. Amen.