Drawing Near: Understanding God's Holiness and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Desire Is to Dwell Among His People

God’s longing from the very beginning has been to live in the midst of His people, to be with them in harmony and partnership. Despite humanity’s repeated doubts and attempts to do things their own way, God’s heart remains unchanged—He wants to be near, to share life, and to work together with us for good. The book of Leviticus reveals the lengths to which God goes to make this possible, providing a way for people to draw near to Him, even when they feel unworthy or distant. Today, you are invited to remember that God’s presence is not far off; He is here, calling you by name, desiring relationship and closeness with you. [35:02]

Leviticus 26:11-12 (ESV)
"I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe that God truly wants to be close to you? How might you respond to His invitation to draw near today?

Day 2: Drawing Near Requires Humility and Surrender

Approaching God is not about following empty rituals or doing things our own way, but about humbling ourselves, surrendering our pride, and coming to Him on His terms. The call to “draw near” is an invitation to bring our whole selves—our gratitude, our repentance, our need—before a holy God who desires relationship. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and as we submit ourselves to Him, He promises to draw near to us. This nearness is not just a feeling but a lived reality, marked by obedience, repentance, and a willingness to let go of self-sufficiency. [01:01:20]

James 4:7-8,10 (ESV)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to do things your own way instead of God’s? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 3: Holiness Is About Proximity and Participation

God’s holiness is both beautiful and dangerous, like fire—inviting, warming, but not to be approached carelessly. Holiness is not about being distant or aloof, but about coming close to God in the way He prescribes, participating fully with heart, mind, and body. The offerings in Leviticus were hands-on, sensory experiences that involved the whole person, reminding us that drawing near to God is not just a mental exercise but a total participation in His presence and purposes. God’s desire is for us to be wholehearted, to bring our best, and to engage with Him in every aspect of life. [49:49]

Leviticus 1:1-3 (ESV)
"The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 'Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock. If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you intentionally engage your whole self—body, mind, and spirit—in drawing near to God this week?

Day 4: God’s Grace Makes a Way for Relationship

Despite humanity’s failures and the consequences of sin, God’s grace is seen in His willingness to provide a way for forgiveness and restored relationship. The sacrificial system was not about appeasing an angry deity, but about God’s desire to forgive rather than destroy, to cover sin and make communion possible. Ultimately, this points to Jesus, who became the perfect “draw near” offering, making it possible for us to enjoy God’s presence without fear. God’s grace is not earned; it is received with gratitude and humility, and it transforms how we relate to Him and to others. [45:20]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness? How can you receive His grace and draw near to Him with confidence today?

Day 5: God’s People Are Set Apart by Love and Difference

God’s call to holiness is a call to be set apart—not just in ritual or appearance, but in the way we love, serve, and live in community. The Israelites were known by their distinct practices, but even more so by their commitment to love God and neighbor, to care for the vulnerable, and to live differently from the world around them. Today, followers of Jesus are called to be known by their love, their humility, and their willingness to live according to God’s ways, even when it seems strange or countercultural. Our lives should reflect the holy God we worship, inviting others to see the difference He makes. [58:09]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate God’s set-apart love to someone in your community today?

Sermon Summary

Leviticus sits at the heart of the Torah, not by accident, but by divine design. It is a book overflowing with the words of God, and at its center is the Day of Atonement—a foreshadowing of what Jesus would ultimately accomplish for us. The structure and detail of Leviticus may seem overwhelming, but just as we learn the rules of the road to drive, these laws were given so that God’s people could truly live with Him. The tabernacle, built according to God’s instructions, was a visual reminder of Eden and a pointer to the future kingdom, but even after its completion, the people could not enter God’s presence without the right “keys.” The glory of God’s fire both attracted and warned, showing that His holiness is beautiful, good, and dangerous.

God’s desire from the beginning has been to dwell with His people in harmony and partnership. Yet, humanity’s mistrust and disobedience led to separation—symbolized by cherubim and a flaming sword guarding Eden’s entrance. The real barrier was not just sin, but death itself, the consequence of turning from God. Only God could resolve this, and so He initiated a way for His people to draw near: through offerings and sacrifices, which were not arbitrary rituals but relational acts. Some offerings were “thank you” gifts, celebrating God’s goodness, while others were “I’m sorry” offerings, acknowledging brokenness and seeking restoration.

The opening verses of Leviticus reveal God’s intimate call to Moses, and by extension, to each of us. God calls us by name, inviting us into relationship. The act of bringing an offering—literally, “drawing near with a draw-near thing”—was a full-bodied, participatory experience. The unblemished animal symbolized wholeheartedness and purity, and only what was whole could pass through the fire of God’s holiness. God’s mercy is seen in His willingness to accept a substitute, preferring forgiveness over destruction.

Leviticus also sets Israel apart from surrounding nations, not just in ritual but in lifestyle, ethics, and community. Their sacrifices, laws, and way of life were rooted in God’s character, not in appeasing or manipulating Him. Today, we are called to be distinct, not by external rituals, but by our love, humility, and nearness to God. Jesus is now our temple, priest, and sacrifice—the ultimate “draw near thing.” Through Him, we are invited to approach God boldly, to humble ourselves, and to live lives marked by His holiness and grace.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Holiness Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous God’s holiness is not merely a distant attribute but a living reality that both attracts and warns. Like fire, it is good and life-giving when approached rightly, but dangerous if treated casually. Holiness is about proximity—God desires us near, but only on His terms, which are always for our good. To draw near is to recognize both the wonder and the seriousness of His presence. [38:36]
2. Drawing Near Requires God’s Provision, Not Our Performance The way back into God’s presence is not something we can engineer or earn. The offerings and sacrifices in Leviticus were God’s gracious provision, not human inventions. They point to the reality that only God can make us “fireproof”—able to stand in His holy presence—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is both the offering and the one who brings us near. [40:00]
3. Intimacy with God Is Rooted in Hearing and Obeying God’s call to Moses—“and He called”—is deeply personal and relational. True intimacy with God is not just about hearing His voice, but responding in obedience. Moses’ life was marked by this pattern: God spoke, Moses obeyed. This is the essence of relationship with God—listening, trusting, and acting on His word. [43:47]
4. Our Distinctiveness Flows from God’s Character, Not Religious Ritual Israel was set apart by more than just sacrifices; their entire way of life—how they ate, lived, and treated others—was to reflect God’s holiness. Being “holy” means being different because we belong to God, not because of external rules. Today, our distinctiveness is seen in our love, humility, and the way we embody God’s presence in the world. [58:09]
5. Jesus Is the Ultimate “Draw Near Thing” All the offerings and rituals of Leviticus find their fulfillment in Jesus. He is our temple, our priest, and our sacrifice—the one who enables us to draw near to God without fear. Through His once-for-all sacrifice, we are invited into a life of abundance, marked by surrender, humility, and the joy of God’s presence. [61:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:04] - Learning the Laws: Driving and Leviticus
[33:10] - The Tabernacle and the Keys to God’s Presence
[33:41] - Leviticus: God’s Plan to Dwell with Us
[35:02] - Humanity’s Distrust and the Consequences
[36:28] - The Real Barrier: Death, Not Just Sin
[37:59] - Fire, Cherubim, and the Danger of Holiness
[38:36] - God’s Holiness: Beauty and Danger
[40:00] - God’s Provision: The Tabernacle and Identity
[41:41] - “And He Called”: The Intimacy of God’s Call
[43:47] - Offerings: Thank You and I’m Sorry
[45:20] - The Meaning of Sacrifice and Grace
[47:01] - Consequences of Our Decisions
[48:50] - Drawing Near: The Full-Body Experience
[51:38] - The Unblemished Offering and Wholeheartedness
[53:11] - Sin Outside the Camp and God’s Mercy
[54:14] - Sacrifice in Context: God’s Instruction
[56:15] - Israel’s Distinctiveness and Community
[58:09] - Holiness, Hygiene, and Being Set Apart
[60:00] - Drawing Near Today: James’ Invitation
[61:20] - Humility, Surrender, and the Call to Draw Near
[62:41] - Prayer and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Leviticus 1:1-2 (ESV) — > The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock.”

Genesis 3:23-24 (ESV) — > Therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

James 4:7-8, 10 (ESV) — > Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Observation Questions

In Leviticus 1:1-2, what is the first thing God does, and what does He ask Moses to tell the people? How does this set the tone for the rest of the book? ([41:41])
According to Genesis 3:23-24, what physical and spiritual barriers were put in place after Adam and Eve’s disobedience? ([36:28])
What are the two main types of offerings described in the sermon, and what do they represent? ([43:47])
In James 4:7-8, what are the steps James gives for drawing near to God? ([01:00:00])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes God’s holiness as both beautiful and dangerous, like fire. Why is it important to approach God on His terms, and what might happen if we don’t? ([38:36])
The “draw near thing” (offering) had to be unblemished and whole. What does this requirement teach about the kind of relationship God wants with His people? ([51:38])
The sermon says the real barrier to God’s presence is not just sin, but death itself. How does this change the way we think about what separates us from God? ([36:28])
Israel’s distinctiveness was rooted in God’s character, not just in rituals. What does it mean for us today to be “set apart” in a way that reflects God’s holiness? ([58:09])

Application Questions

The sermon says God calls each of us by name, inviting us into relationship. When was the last time you sensed God calling you personally? How did you respond? ([42:11])
The Israelites had to bring a “draw near thing” that was unblemished. What would it look like for you to bring your “whole self” to God this week, without holding anything back? ([51:38])
The sermon describes two types of offerings: “thank you” and “I’m sorry.” Which of these do you find easier to bring to God, and why? Is there an area where you need to say “thank you” or “I’m sorry” to God right now? ([43:47])
God’s holiness is described as both attractive and dangerous. Are there ways you have treated God’s presence too casually? What would it look like to take His holiness more seriously in your daily life? ([38:36])
The sermon says our distinctiveness as God’s people is seen in our love, humility, and nearness to God—not just in external rituals. What is one practical way you can show God’s love or humility in your workplace, school, or home this week? ([58:09])
James invites us to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” What is one specific step you can take this week to intentionally draw near to God? ([01:00:00])
Jesus is described as the ultimate “draw near thing”—the one who makes it possible for us to approach God. How does this truth change the way you think about prayer, worship, or your relationship with God? ([01:01:20])

Sermon Clips

So the big idea in Leviticus is how on earth can I live with God? God is here today. Right here, present. And he wants us to come near. [00:36:16] (17 seconds) #LivingWithGodNow

And to make it clear that God would rather forgive a person than destroy a person, you got that? God would rather forgive than destroy. He allowed an animal to die. Now that is grace. To atone for. cover their sin. And through these rituals, the people of Israel were continually reminded, I thank God. I'm sorry, God, you have provided a way for me to enjoy a relationship. [00:45:57] (38 seconds) #GraceOverDestruction

Bring literally means approach or draw near or come close. And this is essentially the goal of Leviticus, to enable Israel to come near, to Yahweh and visit him. Hello, here I am. And to eat with him and his people. Remember, holiness is about proximity. [00:48:32] (25 seconds) #ComeNearToYahweh

God's mercy and grace on display in the book. God accommodated himself. This is the beauty and wonder of our God. God accommodated himself to the historical cultural practices. In this way, God was incarnational. God was continually inhabiting human culture to show what he was like. [00:53:42] (27 seconds) #GodIncarnateInCulture

Another way of understanding holiness is the word set apart. That's another way of looking at the word. And the Israelites were to be a holy people, a set apart people. And they were known to be different by the sacrifices they gave, the way they lived, how they dressed, how they ate. And that's what Leviticus is about. [00:58:18] (22 seconds) #SetApartByHoliness

We are known by our love for God and others. We are invited by James to draw near to God. Remember, we are to draw near with a draw near thing. You got that? That's what offerings are, like we draw near. [01:00:16] (20 seconds) #LoveDrawsUsNear

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