Well Gemma - I am NOT a theologian - so this will be from my understanding - which is not 'scholarly'!
In the NT we get a full understanding of Gods 'indwelling' in us. Lots of verses both from Jesus himself and in the letters etc. To some extent though we almost take that so for granted - that it loses its awesomeness. We treat this state of being indwelt casually.
In the OT the space between the Cherubim on top of the Ark of the Covenant was the dwelling place of God. Incredibly sacred. Many rules as to how it was to be treated. The High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies once a year - on the Day of Atonement when through a proscribed ceremony atonement for the sins of the people were sought.
In Samuel is the story of Eli (the high priest of the time) and his sons. Their treatment of the holy things was careless, disrepectful - and Eli - failed both as a father and High Priest in disciplining his sons. The outcome was that God determined the sons would not live, allowed the Ark to be taken by the enemy (Phillistines) - and Elis sons died.
God's GLORY - his dwelling place - was GONE! His people were still there. But He was no longer in their midst.
The teachings have been bringing that story - and applying it - to the church today. Some major church leaders teach that Jesus was not divine - he was just a good man, that scripture is an interesting collection of useful writings, that God is not a PERSON - but a marvellous idea. Many Western churches ignore scripture preferring the 'wisdom' of their own enlightenment!
So just like Frasier - God has left the building!
Then there is the individual like me. A Holy Temple for the Most High God! How carelessly I treasure, revere and guard His presence! It is not that I should be trying to 'behave holy' to look good to others, but I should do so to make His place with and in me fit for Him - out of love and obedience. We know this at some levels - but this OT teaching has been wonderful in opening my eyes to just how seriously He takes this, and how casual I am about it! His presence cannot be taken lightly or for granted.
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Thank you Rosaleen.
Your post with regards to the relevance of the OT now, has ignited my interest to read the it!
When I think of Old Testament I think of an angry, wrathful GOD intent on revenge and punishment.
I also think of Leviticus and it's daily life instructions, to my mind, largely irrelevant to life in a christian, western culture in 2008.
So thank you for opening my mind to the OT.
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