God’s Grand Plan
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I will make my dwelling among you… And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.” Leviticus 26:11-13
In giving the law with all of it regulations and requirements, God was communicating something important to His people. They were a unique and special people of all the nations of the earth. He established them by calling Abraham and then He rescued them from bondage in Egypt to give them a hope and a future.
As this Book comes to an end, the “So what?” is clearly laid out by God. Following God’s ways would lead to life. Obedience to the Lord would result in blessings, not a curse. Life would go easier and the provisions would be greater.
“I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit…..I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid…ou shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword….I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you…” (Leviticus 26:4,6,7,9 ESV) This is an offer that one would be foolish to refuse.
I think of the words of Jesus, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) This fullness of life is more than what God can do for His people; it is the relationship with Him He is offering.
The fall of Adam and Eve resulted in a severing of the relationship and the fellowship they enjoyed with the Creator. God is working out His plan to restore that relationship broken by sin. His promise is the be with and among His people; for them to know Him and to be known by Him.
Look at the Lord’s desire. Freedom, not slavery. A sense of purpose and usefulness, not being taken advantage of and being put down. “I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.” Sin is a burden, it is a weight. It keeps us “bowed down.” In Christ we can stand erect with heads held high, because we know our worth and value in the eyes of the Creator. God’s purpose is higher, it is greater than what we can achieve on our own, or experience in any other way, but to seek and live for God.
Consider these words from Leviticus, “I will make my dwelling among you… And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.”
Now refresh your memory of some of the final words of the Book of Revelation, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3 NIV)
The Tabernacle was in the center of the camp. The Temple was the focal point of the City of Jerusalem. The Throne of God is the focal point and center of the “New Heavens and the New Earth.” But the grandest “center” of God’s presence is in the the heart of those dedicated to Him.
That is why the invitation of Revelation 3 contains the words, “….If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV) God has a grand plan and you are at the heart of it.
Prayer for today….. Lord, thank You that it is for us, that You have worked patiently over time to fulfill Your grand plan and purpose for us as Your people. Help us to see relationship and not rules. Freedom and not bondage. Help us to live as those who stand erect, because of what You have done for us.