Abiding in God's Presence
The twelve tribes of Israel enjoyed a special relationship with the Lord, as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Presence of the Lord remained in the center of the people every day on all of their journeys.(Exodus 40:34,38) This is a great image for us to consider and a reality to live out each day.
The tabernacle was constructed by the workmen with the offerings of the people. It was set up in the center of the 12 tribes. The cloud of God was over it by day, and the fire was there by night. These were a physical representation of God's Presence. The cloud and fire were always in the center of the people, because they followed God's Presence when it moved out and when it stopped. They never went anywhere without being in the Presence of God.
As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us, but we still have to determine to live in the Presence of God by following Jesus every day. Jesus does not have to follow us,but we are to follow Him. Only then can we abide in His Presence on a daily basis. If we go off on our own and make bad decisions, we must face the consequences. The best life for any believer is to stay close to the Lord by abiding in His Word and being sensitive to obey the Spirit all of the time. Then, we will know He is with us, just like Israel did in the Old Testament.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 3-5.
The tabernacle was constructed by the workmen with the offerings of the people. It was set up in the center of the 12 tribes. The cloud of God was over it by day, and the fire was there by night. These were a physical representation of God's Presence. The cloud and fire were always in the center of the people, because they followed God's Presence when it moved out and when it stopped. They never went anywhere without being in the Presence of God.
As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us, but we still have to determine to live in the Presence of God by following Jesus every day. Jesus does not have to follow us,but we are to follow Him. Only then can we abide in His Presence on a daily basis. If we go off on our own and make bad decisions, we must face the consequences. The best life for any believer is to stay close to the Lord by abiding in His Word and being sensitive to obey the Spirit all of the time. Then, we will know He is with us, just like Israel did in the Old Testament.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 3-5.