Changed by God's Presence

Years ago during a trip to Israel, we sat on the southern steps of the temple mount and had a brief Bible study.  Our guide pointed out how the steps were constructed intentionally with different tread heights and depths so people would walk carefully, being reminded they were approaching the presence of God.  The idea was never to go up to the house of the LORD casually or without consideration of the enormity of the privilege and responsibilities God bestowed upon His people.

We were also told about Ezekiel 46:9 that guided people on how to depart the temple mount after presenting yourself with the appropriate offerings:  "But when the people of the land come before the LORD on the appointed feast days, whoever enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate; and whoever enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. He shall not return by way of the gate through which he came, but shall go out through the opposite gate."  Our guide said one reason for this command was to illustrate that people who went up to present themselves to God should not leave the same way:  even as their point of entry differed from their exit, so they were to be changed by going up the house of the LORD.

Recently another thought came to mind, that God desired the lives of people to intersect with Him.  Without this command, Jews who came from the south could bring their offering to the outer court and turn around without venturing past the temple where the Spirit of God dwelt in the most holy place.  In commanding people to continue from the south to north (and vice versa), it meant the lives of God's worshippers would also intersect with one another in fellowship.  This is a beautiful picture of the desire of God to dwell in the midst of His people who unite in the fear and worship of God, and one day we will all be gathered in New Jerusalem to worship and serve Jesus, the KING OF KINGS.

As churches gather to worship God, hear His word and enjoy fellowship in Christ's name, it is a foretaste of heaven because Jesus offered Himself as an atoning sacrifice for sin.  Those who ascended the temple mount with a sacrifice would have bathed in a mikveh, and Jesus has spiritually cleansed His followers with His own blood and imputed righteousness to us by faith in Him.  Though we have been washed clean, would ought to search our hearts and seek the LORD intentionally with our whole being as it says in Lamentations 3:40-41:  "Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD; ⁴¹ let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven."  It is wonderful we can draw near and lift our hearts to God in the presence of fellow believers or right where we are, knowing God will continue to sanctify us by His grace.

As a direct result of speaking with God, the face of Moses shone.  His appearance was altered by communing with God as a man speaks with his friend, and seeking Jesus Christ will spiritually impact our lives and perspective as well.  We come to Christ as we are but He does not leave us as we are, for He makes us new creations He is faithful to sanctify and make spiritual fruitful.  How awesome it is Christians are now the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us!  We do not need to go up to the temple in Jerusalem to seek the LORD, yet let us not imagine His indwelling Spirit is for our convenience:  it is for our comfort, guidance, and closeness of relationship.  May we be those who seek the LORD, yield to His guidance and rest in His presence.