Ex 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
I was touched by this Scripture today as I’m reading through the Bible. I am beginning to open my eyes to see how deeply God longs to be with his people. He loves them and wants nothing more than their very best.
In the garden he walked with them in the cool of the day. And when they did something that would cause a profound separation, he covered them with skins, set angels around the tree and sent them out.
Then he was with Noah and Abraham and Moses. He was setting aside a people for himself that were special to him. So much so that when he gave instructions for Aaron’s priestly garments to be made, he has the names engraved on stones to be put both on his shoulders and over his heart (Ex 28). And while the people were still lost in their sins, he allowed for a sacrificial system to be set up to cover their sins so that he still could dwell with them.
Again and again God is finding ways to be with his people. And yet in no way compromising Himself or his justice and righteousness. He just wants to be with his people.
The greatest act of love as we know was in Jesus. And now His presence dwells inside of us forever through His Holy Spirit. For those who have received Jesus and know Him, we know that eternal presence in our own spirit that is unshakable.
God is not a good looking to distance himself because of our sins. He’s looking for ways to be with us while dealing with the reality of sin. He is not far from each one of us but longs to draw near. Even as we draw near to Him (Heb 10:22).