The Book of Leviticus begins with the Tabernacle completely built, according to God’s precise specifications. BUT … no man has yet entered the Tabernacle!

Remember how Exodus ended: “So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud (Shekinah Glory) covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 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.” Exodus 40:33-35

In fact, nobody (no human being) enters that Holy Place until Leviticus chapter 9 … absolutely amazing in a way! (Especially when considering how God “longs” and “seeks” His people, to be in communion/harmony with them.)

Let me show you this epochal “Leviticus” event: “And Moses and Aaron WENT INTO THE TABERNACLE OF THE CONGREGATION (MEETING), and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.” Leviticus 9:23

But it took nine chapters of God’s “INSTRUCTIONS, PROCEDURES” for this life-changing entrance to occur, to be made possible!

So … what happens in Leviticus chapters 1-9 … prior to this “going into” the Tabernacle, this Tent of Meeting?

This … Five Offerings, five Sacrifices, five Rituals (involving either grain or animals) must be learned then practiced to prepare man (to cleanse and sanctify humanity) for this Meeting with God! This Dwelling in God’s Presence!

Then (still) Aaron as High Priest (thus the entire institution of the priesthood in/through him) must be consecrated as well!

And these are the things that dominate Leviticus 1-9. (Chapter 10 also relates but in a way we shall discuss later.)

Preparing Israel to come before God!

To worship Him!

To know His Glory!

To walk in His ways, with His “Smile” upon them!

So … get ready.

The upcoming Lessons are going to be a little “technical,” but essential! Because they teach us (even living thousands of years later, and even under a different dispensation) principles for living in God’s Presence, with acceptance and delight!

The Trajectory …

From being barred from God’s Presence … “No man could enter.”

To being a part of the God-human (sweet, indescribable) Communion, that precipitated Creation in the first place! “And they entered in!”

How so?

Blood, bloodshed!

Sin atoned!

God’s Righteousness, Holiness satisfied!

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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