“The Lord spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” - Numbers 1:1 (NIV)
In the book of Leviticus, God speaks to Moses from the Tabernacle because of the people's uncleanliness. The people’s sin created a barrier, and the Law was given to address this sin. However, in Numbers 1:1, we witness a significant change: Moses can now approach God in the Tabernacle. This shift signifies a deeper level of communion and access to God despite the people’s ongoing struggles with sin. This evolution in their relationship with God highlights His desire for closer communion with His people.
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see a profound shift. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ, the unblemished Lamb, sacrificed His life for all humanity. This act of ultimate love and grace tore down the barriers of sin and uncleanliness. Unlike the Israelites, who needed Moses as an intercessor, we now have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us.
Imagine a child who has been playing in the mud. The parent offers a warm bath and clean clothes, but the child must choose to leave the mud and accept the parent’s offer. Similarly, God affords us cleansing through Jesus, but we must choose to leave behind our sinful ways and embrace His grace. Every day, we face the choice to live in the uncleanliness of sin or to embrace the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, ready to lead us into a life of righteousness and peace. He empowers us, convicts us of sin, and guides us in our daily walk with God.
As we reflect on this, let’s ask ourselves: In what areas of our lives do we need to choose God’s grace over uncleanliness? How can we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us more fully?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has cleansed us from all sin. Help us to choose Your grace and forgiveness over the uncleanliness of sin. May Your Holy Spirit guide us daily, drawing us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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