A Return to Eden

Introduction:

Making the Case: Not just “where bible plans go to die”, but an absolutely critical book.

· We begin in Exodus in order to understand Leviticus in its proper setting: Presence of God!

SO, LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THIS SHOWS US ABOUT THE BEUATY OF GOD’S PRESENCE, THE DANGER OF GOD’S PRESENCE, AND THE ENTRY INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

I) The Beauty of God’s Presence

A. God Delivers His People From Slavery to Worship:

i. God redeems slaves for the purpose of worship

1. Israel begins by building for, and serving an oppressive King

2. But the end of the book ends in worshipping a glorious King

ii. What is it that we are serving?

1. We can profess faith, but functionally if something else orients our life…

2. But: Our hearts must be captured for worship (not simply redirected)

B. God’s Presence Dwells Among his People (Ex. 25-40)

i. God is re-creating Paradise among His people

1. Palm trees & Purple: The Tabernacle is A new Eden

2. Eden àIsrael, God’s presence was central to their identity (vv. 36-38)

ii. God is restoring his glorious presence among His people (vs. 34)

1. Our hearts are longing for the joy of God’s presence (Psalm 16:11)

Psalm 16:11 ESV

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

2. EXAMPLE: We seek joy in so many places; yet God gives his presence!

3. God’s overwhelming, glorious presence descends! (vs. 34)

THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S PRESENCE – BUT, THERE IS A MASSIVE PROBLEM.

II) The Danger of God’s Presence

A. God’s Presence is a Threat to God’s People

i. Moses is unable to enter God’s Presence (vs. 35)

1. Even the great Moses cannot enter God’s presence!

2. As Exodus ends, it seems as if God’s presence will remain at a distance

ii. As at Sinai, God’s presence is far too much (see Ps. 15, 24)

1. At Sinai, God’s presence threatened to “break out” against the people

2. Why? Because God is so holy that any imperfection is a threat

B. The Human Condition Means Death in the Presence of God

i. Contemplating our Condition

1. We often speak (flippantly) of God’s presence…

2. …yet it would destroy us, because we are no better than Moses

ii. The Only Way back is through the sword

1. As in Eden, the Tabernacle/TOM is filled with cherubim

2. This was a reminder that the presence of God is barred by the sword

SO, WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? THAT’S WHERE LEVITICUS BEGINS.

III) The Mediator of God’s Presence

A. God Calls A Mediator

i. God takes the initiative to come to us

1. Leviticus is titled “called” in the Hebrew bible because it is God calling

2. God takes the initiative in speaking first, and he calls Moses

3. EXAMPLE: “Performance-based living” says Let me clean up my life…

ii. God provides a mediator to bridge the gap

1. God will use Moses as a mediator to bridge the gap

2. The rest of the book will detail how God’s presence can be mediated

B. God Provides a Greater Mediator

i. Jesus is the true and greater tabernacle (John 1:14)

1. In Jesus, God would take on flesh, and “tabernacle” among us

2. At the cross, the glory of God “left” as Jesus was plunged into darkness

ii. Jesus is the true and greater mediator

1. Why? So in Jesus, we will find the greatest joy of communion with God

2. EXAMPLE:

i. Lonely?

ii. Afriad/uncertain?

iii. Weary/discourged

3.

Transition:

Conclusion