Law:
Living with a Holy God

March 22, 2009

SERMON RECAP:

Moses descends from the top of Sinai with the law of God.  Israel awaits his return at the base of the mountain.  Having left Egypt, Israel needs to understand who they are and how to relate to this holy God who has delivered them from Egypt.  The law addresses both of these issues.  Israel is the treasured possession of God who is to be a light to the nations of the world.  As Israel keeps the law of God, they reflect God's glory in the earth.  The law defines both the purpose and the nature of the relationship.
 
But the law also teaches Israel about worship and how to live with the presence of God in their midst.  The tabernacle is God's house in the midst of the nation, with priests, protocol, and regulations.  God's presence is a serious matter and must be handled with care.  He is determined to dwell with them and they must worship Him according to the pattern He has set.  However, all of this points to a greater tabernacle and a day when the presence of God no longer dwells in man-made structures, but in the hearts and lives of the people that He has called to be His own...