In today’s episode we are continuing our study of the Presence of God throughout the biblical story. In the last several episodes we surveyed the landscape of the Old Testament and discussed how the primary thread that runs throughout the narrative is God’s will and purpose to partner with a covenant people who will faithfully represent Him and one that He would intimately dwell in the midst of. Unfortunately, this vision goes unfulfilled in God’s relationship with men and in particular, the nation of Israel. As the chapter closes in the Old Testament, while the Jews are physically out of exile, spiritually they are still bound by persistent disloyalty and compromise.
However, this story was PREPARATION for the coming of the One who would, in Himself, become the greatest manifestation of the presence of God: Jesus. He is the purest and clearest image of God: God made flesh (John 1:14). God with us (Is. 7:14). The fulfillment of Eve’s Seed (Gen. 3:15), the One who would crush the head of the seed of the Serpent; The Promised offspring of Abraham whose arrival would bring blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:3). The Son of David who would sit on the throne in Righteousness and Truth forever (2 Sam. 7:12-16).
Jesus is the continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament story and one of the best pictures of this is seeing Him as "the True and Greater Temple."
In the Old Covenant, Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple were partial and preparatory images. Their structures contained sections and limitations that separated God's holiness and man's sinfulness.
In the New and Better Covenant, Jesus is the presence of God in fullness and completeness. In Himself, there is wholeness, no separation. All are welcome to come to Him and experience God's presence. There is no restrictions. There is no access to some, at the exclusion of others. He is the eternal Word made flesh, who dwelt (tabernacled) among men and displayed the Glory of God (John 1:14).
Music: "On My Way, Justin Jollie."
Production: Samuel Romano
For more information on VCBCS programs and Dr. Chris' teachings, please visit www.vcbcs.org.
