Abide, Adore, Ask and Agree: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting With Rock City ChurchSample

DAY 3

As a result of their sin, Adam and Eve had to leave the presence of God. God then placed cherubim (angels) to guard the way to the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden. And yet, because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His desire to dwell and abide with His people didn’t change.

Exodus 25 reveals God’s plan in the Old Testament, before the first coming of Jesus, to be near to His people even after their sin and rebellion. He gave Moses instructions to build a tabernacle in the Israelite’s camp and place the ark of the covenant in the middle of it. His glory and presence then filled the ark of the covenant. But in Exodus 26, we read that access to the ark was covered by a veil. Images of cherubim, like those in the Garden of Eden, were added to both the ark and the veil as a reminder that unholy people could not enter the presence of a holy God. So, while God was nearby, there was still separation.

God’s presence and holiness have an immeasurable weight. A weight that people cannot bear unless they are perfect. The problem is that no human being is perfect outside of Christ, and therefore, all are unable to approach God!

The miracle of the cross and resurrection of Jesus is that He took our imperfection and sinful condition upon Himself on the cross and gave us His new, perfect, and holy life when He resurrected! It is only through this exchange – our sin for His perfection – that we can now draw near to God. We will look at this more in the next devotional.

REFLECTION

1. What does God’s desire to reveal His glory even to unholy and sinful people tell you about His character?

2. Do you ever allow shame and guilt to convince you the way to God is still guarded, even after the final sacrifice of Jesus?

3. God is with you now. Take a few moments to thank Him for His presence.

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for your friends and family who are distanced from God.