Good Morning.
I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. (Leviticus 26:11-12)
When God delivered Israel from Egypt, He did so to free them from the yoke of slavery so they could walk as free men. Rather than be stooped over in bondage to another, they could walk upright before Him. Walking upright meant that they were to live as He instructed them and reap the rewards as we have mentioned previously. As wonderful as those blessings are, the greatest blessing is mentioned in these verses: God’s Presence would be among them.
Throughout the Scripture, God uses physical things (e.g. grain, vintage, rain in due season etc.) to teach us about greater, more spiritual matters. While obedience results in good health, prosperity and triumph over our enemies, all of those benefits point us to the One responsible for those rewards. In short, the greatest reward granted by our obedience is the nearness of God to us, even as we continue enjoying the material rewards. The fact that He said, “I will walk among you” should bring both comfort and a sense of respect. In other words, the closer He is to us the greater our peace and prosperity. At the same time, the closer He is to us, the more that is expected of us in terms of holiness.
Just as God pledged to walk closely with Israel, in Messiah, we have that promise in greater measure. Still, it is my view that we are yet to see the ultimate fulfillment of this verse. You see, one day, we will see Him face to face and no longer serve Him from a distance. One day, mortal shall put on immortality and our corruptible flesh will give way to incorruption. One day His law will be written in our hearts and we will walk in His precepts and live in His Presence. This is the ultimate promise and the greatest reward granted to those who love Him. Likewise, it should serve as the greatest impetus to lay aside every weight and walk upright before Him. So then, as free people, let us serve Him with our whole hearts and undying devotion. It will be worth it.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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