What connections exist between Leviticus 9:6 and New Testament teachings on obedience? The Moment at Sinai’s Tent “Then Moses said, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.’” (Leviticus 9:6) • Israel stands poised to begin priestly ministry. • God links the people’s obedience (“do”) with the visible manifestation of His glory (“so that the glory of the LORD may appear”). • The principle is unmistakable: obey, and God makes His presence known. Echoes in the Gospels and Epistles Notice how the same cause-and-effect rhythm resounds throughout the New Testament: • John 14:21 – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” – Keep → love → Christ “reveal[s]” Himself. • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” – Obedience invites divine presence, just as in Leviticus 9. • Luke 11:28 – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” – Blessing attached to obedience. • Acts 5:32 – “The Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” – Gift of the Spirit parallels the Old-Testament glory. • Hebrews 5:8-9 – Christ “became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” – Even our salvation experience centers on obedient faith. • 1 John 2:5 – “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” – Obedience matures divine love within us. Threads That Tie the Testaments Together • Same Author, same heartbeat—God delights to dwell with a people who take Him at His word. • Obedience is never a cold transaction; it is the pathway to relational nearness. • Old Covenant glory appeared as fire; New Covenant glory appears in the indwelling Spirit and the revealed Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). • From Tabernacle to Upper Room, God links manifest presence with responsive hearts. Why Obedience Still Matters Today • It demonstrates love (John 14:15). • It invites deeper revelation of Christ’s character. • It positions us to experience the Spirit’s power and guidance. • It witnesses to a watching world that Jesus is Lord (Matthew 5:16). Walking It Out 1. Hear—give Scripture the first and last word each day. 2. Do—turn every clear command into a lived response. 3. Expect—anticipate God’s nearness as you obey, just as Israel waited for His glory outside the tent. 4. Persevere—when obedience costs, remember Hebrews 12:2: Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” Leviticus 9:6 and the New Testament sing in harmony: obedient people encounter the living, glorious God. |
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