Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
The speaker says Leviticus is the “missing link” between Exodus 40 (Moses can’t enter the tabernacle) and Numbers 1 (Moses inside with God speaking), concluding: “Leviticus happened”; what does that imply about God’s nearness being a gift that still comes with demanded order, and how does that challenge modern approaches that treat God’s presence as automatic and unconditional?
Another way to ask: If Leviticus is what made it possible for Moses to go into God’s presence, what does that say about God’s nearness being a gift that still requires order? How does that challenge the idea that God’s presence is automatic no matter how we live?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript implies God’s nearness is a gracious gift—He chooses to dwell with His people—but access comes through God-given order and instruction, not casual assumption. That challenges modern habits of treating God’s presence as automatic, where worship and holiness require little structure or obedience.
- He cites Exodus 40: God’s glory fills the tabernacle and “Moses could not go in… wasn’t allowed to enter.”
- He then cites Numbers 1: “Moses is in the tabernacle… the Lord is speaking to Moses.”
- His conclusion: “There’s only one logical thing. Leviticus happened… The way that Moses got into the tabernacle was through Leviticus.”
- He frames Leviticus as “the principles of how Israelites could dwell with God,” and says, “I want to dwell with God.”
- He clarifies Christians don’t follow Levitical law, but must follow “the spirit behind those laws… the ones that Christ brings forth.”
- He says God teaches “self-restraint… puts a cap on the flesh,” showing nearness isn’t permission to do what’s right in our own eyes.