I have been writing for some time Lessons dealing with the Book of Genesis and its “preparation” for a study of the Book of Leviticus.
In sum, all this focuses on two “directions” mankind may travel. Either “toward” God … or “away” from God! Basically “west” or “east.”
For example, when Cain murdered his brother … “And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the EAST of Eden.” Genesis 4:16 … Cain moved EAST, away from God!
But when God called Abraham … he moved from “Ur of the Chaldees” to the Land of Canaan (a westward trajectory). Journeying toward the Holy Land, toward God’s Abode! Where the Tabernacle and Temple would some day reside.
East or West, that is the question!
Now let me show you a good “Text” to illustrate this concept. (Recall now, the whole theme of Leviticus is “living in harmony with God,” God’s amazing Desire being to enjoy the sweet company of His creation.)
The Bible Account of Lot and Abraham.
They must part ways!
Genesis 13:7 … “And there was a STRIFE between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle.”
Genesis 13:8-9 … “And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole LAND before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
Genesis 13:10-11 … LOT CLEARLY CHOOSES TO MOVE EAST, AWAY FROM THE HOLY LAND … “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even AS (like) the garden of the LORD, like the land of EGYPT, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed EAST: and they separated themselves the one from the other.”
Now Genesis 13:12 … “Abram dwelled in the land of CANAAN (THE HOLY LAND), and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward SODOM (far away from God).
Wow!
The whole Bible, folks!
Loving God or rejecting Him!
West or East!
Let me close with this verse today … “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
The original “expulsion” from God’s Presence … after Eve and Adam had sinned … “So God drove out the man; and he placed at the EAST of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Genesis 3:24
Expelled eastward.
And consequently, to go to the Gate of Eden, to the Presence of those Cherubim one had to walk WEST! And that may have been the very spot (the Gate of Eden) where Adam came to worship God every day of his long life! Those Cherubim may have been a prototype of the coming “Mercy Seat” where much blood would be shed for the atonement of sin!
Wow!
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