The gospel of Jesus Christ introduced a new way of life, not merely a new, nor even improved, Jewish religion!

One issue that arose in the first century which is addressed several times in the NT is the tendency to revert to the way of Moses. See the meeting of apostles and other leaders in Acts 15 and the letter to the Galatians.

The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Church in Corinth, highlights a wonderful aspect of our new faith, that of access to God. He also addresses influences in the Church that had begun to undermine that truth.  Indeed, some had come into the Church to try to re-impose the law of Moses.

In chapter 3, Paul provides a series of contrasts between the Old Covenant under Moses, and the New Covenant in Christ:

• The letter kills v the Spirit gives life (v6)
• Condemnation v righteousness (v9)
• Fading/transitory v permanent (v11)
• The face of Moses (v13) v the face of Jesus Christ (4.6)
• A veil v a mirror (v16-18)
• Hard hearts & dull minds v ever-increasing glory (v13, 18)

Two points to mention:

1. Paul picked an incident from the OT where the glory of God shone in Moses face. Moses had returned from receiving the two tablets of Ten Commandments- his face was shining – people were afraid to come near – Moses had to put a veil on. Surely this incident would demonstrate the enduring value of the OT law! Yet Paul points out that the problem is not that his face shone, but that the radiance of his shining face was fading away, (v7, v13). Even at its best, the law is a fading thing.
2. The Old Covenant was full of barriers – in the tabernacle, constructed shortly after the giving of the Law. There was a curtain (Ex 27.16) at the entrance to the courtyard; another curtain (Ex 26.36) at the entrance to the tabernacle; and then the veil (Ex 26.31) to separate the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. All three barriers declared; ‘you can’t come in!’

All man-made religion brings barriers. As Paul describes, there is a veil of unbelief. The OT law of Moses is obsolete, no longer the basis of our access to the Father.

Through Christ everything changed. When He died the veil, the final barrier, was torn from top to bottom. God Himself announced; the veil is removed, all barriers are torn down.

Christ Himself, dying with arms out-stretched on a cross; as if to welcome any who will trust in Him and come in.

The OT declared ‘you cannot come in.’ The message of Christ in the NT announces; ‘welcome.’ And Paul goes further; we can approach boldly and with confidence.

There is a helpful phrase which appears in the Song of Solomon:

“My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyard; my own vineyard I have neglected.” (Song of Sol 1.6)

The writer, in the narrative, comments that she has neglected her own vineyard. There were other duties and responsibilities, but she had left undone something which she should have done.

My interpretation of this is that we should be faithful in what God has put on our hearts; do that one thing and do it well.  There are many ‘worthy causes,’ which can demand our attention and commitment. A moment’s thought will tell us that, if we spread ourselves too thinly, we become ineffective at everything.

It is different for Jesus Christ, for “the government will be on His shoulder” (Is 9.6-7). Of the increase of His government there be no end; He will accomplish what He has promised, and His zeal will ensure all is put right it His time.

For us, there are simply too many injustices for any of us to fight all of them. We can easily become overwhelmed. Even to try to learn about more than a few major injustices can reduce us to impotence and discouragement.

Don’t do nothing

Towards the end of Christ’s life, He was anointed by a poor woman (Matt 26.6-13). Judas Iscariot seems to have led the objections to this simple act. However, Jesus Himself commended the woman and promised that “wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world,” this story would persevere. And it has.

In a different context, Jewish farmers were instructed not to harvest to the very corners of their fields, leaving portions for the poor (Deut 24.19-22).

Such acts, of themselves, seem insignificant. But all are noticed in heaven. And somehow, in God’s economy, where good is weighed not counted, there is a real difference.

The call to fight

In my reading, I noticed a number of public figures who have, in each case, focused on a single issue. As a result they have seen real change.

Although William Wilberforce was involved in many matters, his work to see slavery abolished occupied decades of his life.

Having left his music career, Fergal Sharkey has concentrated on injustice surrounding supply of water in the UK. His depth of knowledge has ensured the matter has been brought to public attention. At the time of writing, some progress is being made on a number of issues.

Rosie Duffield, MP, gave a powerful speech on the House of Commons on the subject of domestic abuse, having suffered at the hands of her first husband (see Wikipedia entry). She has spoken out repeatedly on this matter.

Climate activist Vanessa Nakate has become increasingly vocal on environmental matters. A Christian voice in her native Uganda, she has gained an international reputation on this crucial subject.

‘Not every battle is meant for you. Not every issue deserves your time. Be faithful in what God has asked of you.’  (Rachel Joy Welcher, Author)

There is certainly wisdom in giving ourselves wholeheartedly to one issue, rather than trying to sort out the whole world – that responsibility belongs to the Lord of lords!

This is one of the strongest themes throughout scripture.  The OT tells the story of how mankind lost access to His presence. The NT tells of the rescue, through Jesus Christ, that God might dwell amongst His people for all eternity.

From the very start, God walked with man and woman in the cool of the day (Gen 3.8), We must presume this was the regular pattern; Adam and Eve enjoying communion with God daily. In this case, this was a physical tangible presence. Sadly, this was about to end. As a result of rebelling against God, Adam and Eve were cast out of His presence (v23-24).

In due course, the nation of Israel came into being. God brought them out of Egypt, out of slavery, and into covenant with Himself. Crucial to the outworking of this covenant was the Tabernacle. Scripture is clear that the Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place amongst His people (Ex 25.8-9). Hebrews 8 tells us this was a copy and shadow of the heavenly tabernacle which was not made with human hands.

In Israel’s journeys, the tabernacle reflected the transitory-ness of this life and provided a pointer towards God’s future eternal kingdom. Permanence is found in God, not in the things of this life.

Later, the Temple became a new dwelling place. Solomon was responsible for constructing the first temple. Writing to Hiram, King of Tyre, Solomon announced “I am about to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, … the temple I am going to build with be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.” (2 Chr 2.4-5). The scale of the temple and its riches were almost unimaginable. The volume of gold and silver was almost incalculable.

Sadly, it was not many years later, when Rehoboam, Solomon’s son became king, that Shishak, King of Egypt attacked Jerusalem, defeated its armies, removing “everything” (2 Chr 12.9), humiliating both Israel and its king.

Even in the shadow of the temple, this most glorious of structures, Israel and Judah (now separated) failed to enjoy God’s presence. Eventually both nations were driven into Exile.

Ezekiel speaks of God being a little sanctuary to those in exile. God was still present with His people. Writing to the Jewish exiles scattered across the Babylonian empire, Ezekiel writes; “This is what the Sovereign Lord says; ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’” (Ezek 11.16). The Jews found no temple, no place of worship outside of Judea. Ezekiel’s contemporary, Daniel found that the Lord became his sanctuary, a holy place to meet with God. We read that he made this a regular practice (Dan 6.10). And, like the tabernacle of old, this was a temporary measure.

The verse introduces Ezekiel’s first promise of restoration to the land (v17-21). “I will gather you, …” says the Lord. In spite of persistent rebellion, God’s promises would be fulfilled, His purposes cannot be thwarted. The people will once more enjoy God’s presence.

Moving into the NT, in Acts 7, Stephen was answering the accusation that he had spoken against “this holy place” (Acts 6.13), meaning the temple. Stephen answered this by demonstrating that God was not bound by the physical structure. Indeed, He frequently made Himself known outside the ‘promised land.’ Stephen referred to incidents in Genesis, mentioning Abraham and Joseph in particular, who enjoyed God’s presence and blessing outside of Canaan. Moses too lived his entire life outside of Canaan; either in Egypt or journeying from Egypt. Yet God was with him. Stephen highlighted this strong OT theme and paid with his life.

There is now a new dwelling place, the Church (Eph 2.22; 1 Cor 3.16). How is that presence experienced? Is it sufficient that we quote, ‘where two or three are present,’ or should we expect a tangible presence? Or identifiable proofs of His presence? Are words enough? Paul refers to a real and tangible presence of God in 1 Cor 14.25, “God is really among you.” Here God’s people meet with Him. And here unbelieving visitors are powerfully impacted.

Rom 5.1-2 highlights the privilege, enjoyed by all who belong to Christ, of access into the very presence of God. We come in confidence, not in fear, knowing that we are loved and accepted. We would be foolish to neglect this privilege.

And, scripture takes us to the end of the story, His story (history!). God’s dwelling place with His people (Rev 21.3). This outcome is guaranteed through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This motivates us, shaping our thinking. This is truly hope.