I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. Lev 26:12
Leviticus chapter 26 is titled as “Promise of Blessing and Retribution.” Our verse for today comes from this prominent portion of the scripture, where God promises blessings to an obedient Israel and curses to a disobedient Israel. God gives us laws, commandments, and statues so that it would be possible for Him in His holiness to walk among us (His people). By following His word, we not only know Him but also experience life with Jesus.
Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:16 quotes Lev 26:12 to explain what it means for the church to be God’s temple, His dwelling place. Paul reminds us that Jesus not only lives among us, but we are the house in which He dwells. What a privilege to be God’s dwelling place. However, we should remember that there are requirements to being the house of God. In Leviticus 26:1-3 God orders us not to make idols for ourselves and to keep His statues. In return to our obedience, not only will we be blessed, but He will walk among us.
In John 1:14 where John affirms that Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us. As He promised the Israelites, He came down and dwelt among us, gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins, giving us the hope of new life that comes through repentance and salvation. In Covenant of Grace God gives himself to us. He promises, “I will be your God.”