January 1, 2025

Passage Read: Numbers 4-7
Meditation Verse: 7:88

Thought

This would make for a great celebration, and that's what it should have been. Dedicating the tabernacle, celebrating the completion of the house of God, His dwelling place in the midst of the congregation, His presence among them! This should be a huge cause for celebration, that God dwells in our midst! He desires to be close to us, to enjoy our presence. He wants us to enjoy His. His nearness shouldn't be cause for gloom and shouldn't be an oppressive presence, but one of joy and gladness. He does expect us to walk in His ways, but His ways are ways of goodness and kindness and care for one another, so how can that be intolerable? Only if we desire to be selfish and greedy and behave in ways God opposes, then God's nearness would be oppressive.

Application

Every day doesn't have to be a party for God and with God, but this does challenge my view of God. Is His presence a delight to me or something to be feared? Do I want to avoid Him or keep a safe distance? Why? What do I need to fear or what do I need to hide from Him? His presence should be a cause for celebration, should be a joy to me. Do I need to watch my ways? Not if I have truly changed my values and worldview and life purposes. If I live as He wants me to live because I love and trust His wisdom and ways, then what have I to hide or fear. I can and should live in delight at the Lord's nearness and presence with me.