READING:
One-year plan: Exodus 28-29, Matthew 23
Two-year plan: Genesis 39-40, Matthew 13:1-17
———-
In today’s Old Testament reading filled with instructions about priestly garments and consecration, found within the final verses are these significant words: “I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.And they will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God” (Exo 29:45-46). In the midst of their doing what God demanded of them, He also reminded them that He is the one who would meet them there.
There’s much here that ought to fill us with wonder:
- God would dwell among His people. As we have seen in previous devotions, He is not a distant God who simply put everything in motion and stepped away. He lives among His people.
- He would be their God. He is a personal God who calls His people to Himself.
- He delivered His people from Egypt so they might have fellowship with Him. The people would remember that deliverance as God dwelt among them, and they would know He freed them from Egypt so He might dwell among them.
- He is the Lord their God. He thus has the right to set the rules, and He demands allegiance and obedience from His people.
Echoed throughout these words is the relational nature of God—the God who made everything and who reigns sovereignly has intentionally chosen to dwell among His own. Now, in fact, He lives within us through the Holy Spirit. It all really is “wonder”ful.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What does it mean to you that God dwells within you if you are a Christian?
PRAYER: “God, You are our God by Your choice. Thank You for dwelling in us.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Exodus 30-32, Matthew 24:1-31
Two-year plan: Genesis 41:1-45, Matthew 13:18-30
