1. God is present with his people (1-9)

There were two symbols of the living presence of God in the Holy Place. One was the seven lamps on the lampstand. The light of God's Presence was always in the Holy Place. The second was the Bread of the Presence. Twelve loaves, one for each tribe, were placed on the golden table on the north side of the Holy Place. Fresh bread was put there each Sabbath, and the old bread was eaten by the priests in a communal meal. The Bread was a reminder that God is the Sustainer of life. Jesus declared, 'I am the Bread of Life.' Our spiritual lives are sustained when we partake of the Bread of Life daily.

2. A man who blasphemed the Name (10-23)

God loves his people and comes to dwell with them, but he is holy and demands respect. One young man, part Egyptian, blasphemed the holy Name of the Lord. Even though he did this in the heat of a fight, there was no excuse. He was put to death by stoning. God's justice is also a reflection of his holiness.

Application: Lord, thank you for your Presence with me. Teach my heart to fear your name.
One Word: Love and fear the Holy God