In the Book of Leviticus, God is (now) dwelling in His Tabernacle! In fact, that is how the Book of Exodus (Leviticus’ predecessor) ends … “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the GLORY OF THE LORD (HIS VERY FACE/PRESENCE) filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34, with the chapter having only 38 verses!

God tabernacling (living amidst) His people!

But the Book of Leviticus also allows the Tabernacle to be called the “tent of the congregation,” insinuating “mankind” meeting with God … in that holy environment! (“Tent of the congregation” in Hebrew literally meaning “Tent of meeting!”)

Next …

Now look at Exodus 40:35 … the third to the last verse in all of Exodus! “And Moses was NOT ABLE TO ENTER into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Wow!

The “Tent of Congregation/Meeting” but man (Moses being a representative man) cannot come in! Cannot fellowship/commune with Almighty God!

And here, in broad strokes, is the “drama” of Leviticus. The “plot” of Leviticus. The “storyline” of Leviticus!

Getting man (excluded, due to sin) back into the Presence of God!

God … Who has already descended and walked on earth, in sacred Space! As he had done in Eden, for example! As He had done in Noah’s Ark! As He had done on the Holy Mount!

But HOW is this to be accomplished?

Basically … through blood atonement!

The specifics of which the Book of Leviticus spells out … in great detail!

This is NOT just a Book of rituals and formalities … but rather a Book of Instructions … concerning both establishing and maintaining sweet Harmony with this Holy God of ours.

By the way, God made the First Move!

Psalm 15:1 well sums this thought. “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”

“Thy Tabernacle” … God’s Dwelling Place!

“To abide” there and “to dwell” there … who can? That is the big Question! The Question the Book of Leviticus so fully answers!

Are you excited?

I sure am!

Amen, more tomorrow morning, the Lord willing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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