The Goal of God


Exodus 29:43–46 (ESV) There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. 44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

 Once again God speaks about the purposes He has in store for Israel. He will be with them. He will speak to them. He has saved them - why? So that HE might dwell among them! What a powerful idea. 

 God has spoken this again. The last time was in Exodus 19. Just removed from Egypt, God makes His intentions clear to Israel:
Exodus 19:4 (ESV) You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

The goal of God is not necessarily the promised land. And He's not exactly in a rush. He's been setting them up to dwell with Him in the wilderness for the long and transitory existence that will entail. He's been absolutely specific in regards to the temple, it's instruments, it's order, layout, priests, and ministrations. God will dwell in the desert with them. They will get to know who He is and they will hear His voice before they own property. 

I think that we often forget this aspect of our salvation. It really is about being with God. It's not about where you're going as much as Who is with you! You are able to talk to God and hear from Him. He is not just about getting you where you want to go. 

More importantly, consider the Israelite's experience with religion thus far compared to other nations. Other nations had to invent their gods. They chose what they could see, touch or create. They chose things of superstitious value. They had to invent the idea of a god and then worship it. 

Not Israel. They weren't even looking for the God of heaven and Earth. They were worshipping the idols of Egypt and complaining about their lot in life. Yet the God who made all things comes TO THEM, comes AFTER THEM, seeks them, saves them, draws them to Himself, and then blesses them. He is still blessing this people all these years later! 

He is the God of the FIRST MOVE. He made the first move with Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Israel. He chose these insignificant people at times where no one gave them a chance in order to reflect His character and might. He takes a slave nation from 2500 B.C. to be the Nation in which He will dwell and one day become a part of Himself. 

If you've never given God a chance, perhaps its time to stop being so stubborn and say YES! He's made His move. Now make yours.

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