Introduction:
In the grand tapestry of God’s divine plan, there is a recurring theme – the transformation of His people into His likeness. From the dawn of creation in the Garden of Eden to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, this theme weaves its way through the pages of history, culminating in the mission of the Church. In this devotional, we will embark on a journey through the ages, exploring the pivotal moments in redemptive history and our role in beholding God’s beauty to be transformed into His image.
In the Garden Temple:
God’s design for humanity can be traced back to the pristine beauty of the Garden of Eden. It was not just a garden; it was a temple where God dwelled with Adam and Eve. The first priests were Adam and Eve, given the sacred duty of ministering to God and representing Him to the universe. They were called to lead creation in worship and expand the garden’s boundaries to include the world. The key to understanding their mission was beholding God’s beauty, for without beholding, humanity could not truly know itself or develop into its true identity.
However, the fall shattered this divine plan, as sin prevented humans from becoming like God. Chaos and devastation followed, but God’s desire to dwell among His people remained unwavering. The patriarchs built altars at hallowed sites, foreshadowing a worship sanctuary and God’s persistent mission.
The Exodus:
God’s plan for redemption took a momentous turn in the exodus. Rather than establishing a nation through a king or territory, God formed a people around Mount Sinai in the wilderness. For the first time in history, a corporate people saw God. The people made a covenant with Him, positioning God at the center of the nation. It was not a monarch that united Israel; it was the people’s gathering to see God, to become like Him, and represent Him to the nations. They were called to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” beholding God’s beauty to be transformed into His image for the world.
The Tabernacle:
The encounter at Sinai marked the beginning of God dwelling among a corporate people, a theme continued in the tabernacle. This mobile sanctuary was designed to be a restricted representation of heaven on earth, filled with imagery from the garden and the sky. The tabernacle was not just a place for sacrifices but a place of God’s presence, where the few vocational priests served the nation’s calling. The pattern of beholding God and becoming like Him was to be emulated by all, regardless of their vocations. The tabernacle’s purpose was to allow a nation to host God and behold His beauty.
The High Priest:
The high priest, as the chief representative of Israel, was a vital figure in this divine plan. He bore the names of the twelve tribes on his chest and the name of God on his forehead. Just as the high priest represented the nation’s calling, the people were called to live out this calling by serving the Lord, prioritizing His Word and presence in their lives. Israel was meant to worship together in a corporate sanctuary, beholding God’s beauty as a people, and in doing so, becoming His image to the world.
Divine Foundation Building:
God’s divine plan continued to unfold as He organized a corporate people around the act of beholding Him by erecting a worship sanctuary at the center of the nation. This sanctuary was filled with images of Eden, symbolizing the restoration of man’s calling and the establishment of a “new creation” where God would dwell with humanity. The foundation laid at Sinai was not to be abandoned but built upon. It paved the way for a future where God would dwell on earth in unimaginable ways.
A Missionary People:
Contrary to the misconception that missions began in the New Testament, the exodus was the birth of a missionary people. The Israelites were led out of Egypt so that God could be recognized. This missionary story began with God residing among a people who beheld Him. It’s a story of God’s desire to be acknowledged as God worldwide. The call of the Great Commission finds its roots in this Old Testament narrative, reminding us of our mission.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the beauty of God’s divine plan, from the Garden of Eden to the exodus and beyond, we are called to behold God’s beauty and be transformed into His likeness. Just as the Israelites were called to be a priestly nation, we, as the Church, are called to live out this mission by beholding God and becoming His image to the world.
This is a mission of transformation, a call to participate in God’s ongoing plan to dwell among His people and make Himself known. Let us embrace this mission with hearts open to beholding God’s beauty and being transformed into His likeness for the sake of the nations.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
