Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Leviticus 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Psalm37:30-40, Proverbs 10:6-7

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Sacred Union with God

From the beginning, God has spoken in the language of covenant love. Imagine a bride and groom standing before the altar.

They did not arrive casually or by accident—

They fell in love.
They chose one another.
They prepared.
They washed themselves.
They put on their garments.
They stood before witnesses.
They made vows before the Father.

Then they entered into sacred covenant with each other in front of witnesses. This is not a contract born out of duty; it is a union born out of love. They then celebrate.

When the time is right, they go away together — privately — to become one.

In that private place, there are no spectators, no distractions, no competing loves — only covenant, trust, and surrendered intimacy.

This is the pattern of the Tabernacle.

The outer court — commitment.
The washing — cleansing.
The garments — righteousness.
The altar — sacrifice.
The Holy Place — fellowship.
The Holy of Holies — union.

God was not establishing rituals for His people to simply abide by; He was establishing relationship.

Leviticus 10 shows us what happens when covenant is treated casually. Nadab and Abihu brought “strange fire.” They attempted to enter on their own terms, and they stepped outside their vows. It was spiritual unfaithfulness. They tried to enjoy the privileges of intimacy without honoring the covenant. That is why it was so serious.

But immediately after, we see something else. We see Aaron, broken and grieving. He refuses to pretend. How could he? He had just lost two sons, and his heart was shattered. He does not manufacture obedience or fake celebration — he brings his broken heart honestly before God. And it tells us, “Moses was satisfied,” implying God was too.

God knows our hearts and has compassion on us. He does not want you to step away in your grief; He wants you to draw closer to Him so He can comfort you. Perhaps that is why Aaron was commanded not to leave the Tabernacle to grieve. God wanted to draw him near to comfort him in his sorrow, because covenant intimacy and love do not reject grief — they embrace it with consolation so healing can take place.

In just one chapter, we see what we can expect when we approach God’s mercy seat, now and later on our final day of judgment. Love rejects unfaithfulness but embraces the faithful — even in their brokenness.

Jesus reveals the beauty of this intimate love available to us in Mark 4:34:

“When He was alone with His disciples, He explained everything.”

Public teaching. Private revelation. He shares His secrets with those who remain with Him. That is covenant intimacy.

A faithful bride returns again and again to the private place with her Bridegroom. Even when she goes out to serve and fulfills her duties, she always comes back — again and again.

This is where fruit is born. Fruit that becomes a righteous generation in a house that glorifies the Father, becoming a dwelling place where He abides forever with them.

This chapter is not about fear — it is about faithfulness.

Strange fire is self-driven. Sacred union is surrendered love. We cannot create closeness on our own terms instead of responding to God’s invitation and instruction. We cannot force spiritual moments ourselves. We must wait on Him.

God is not looking for quick passion that changes with the wind. He is looking for consistent, dedicated loyalty. True love requires sacrifice. And faithful love is rewarded with glorious presence.

What will we bring? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Return to the private place today. Not out of duty — but out of devotion. Even for just 5 minutes, go to Him. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want to tell me personally about this today?”
  • Journal what He reveals to you, so you never forget and can revisit it when needed.
• Then ask Him, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit – then do it!

Guard this time with Him. It is sacred, holy, healing and restorative. It is you access to Him, His Kingdom and His glory right now.

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Prayer

Father, teach me to love You faithfully. Keep my heart from strange fire. Wash me, clothe me, prepare me, and draw me into sacred union with You. Let me honor my covenant and return again and again to Your holy presence. Bear fruit through my life for Your glory. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.