Exodus 29:43-46 - Homiletics

God's promises to Israel.

Here we may note—

I. THE DIVINE GOODNESS AS SHOWN IN THE MAKING OF PROMISES , Man has no claim upon his Maker. Our "goodness extendeth not to him." So far forth as we "do him true and laudable service," we are "unprofitable servants—we have done that which was our duty to do" ( Luke 17:10 ). But how little of such service is rendered! How great are our shortcomings! How many our "sins, negligences, and ignorances!" How little do we deserve anything but evil at God's hand! And yet, he not only bears with us, but makes us gracious promises. He binds himself to us beforehand by express engagements—he pledges his own sacred word to bestow upon us divers blessings. Here he promised Israel five things—

1 . The sanctification of the tabernacle by the Shechinah;

2 . The sanctification of the altar;

3 . Holiness in Aaron and his sons;

4 . His own permanent abiding presence with them as their God; and

5 . Their own recognition of him as their Lord God

the deliverer who brought them out of Egypt—the eternal—Jehovah Eloheyhem. And to Christians he has promised far more—pardon, redemption, acceptance, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, eternal life! Utterly unworthy as we are, these promises have been made to us. God's infinite goodness has caused him to condescend to enter into covenant with his creatures; and the promises which he has made to us, "he for his part will most surely keep and perform."

II. THE DIVINE FAITHFULNESS , AS SHOWN IN THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISES MADE .