God's Dwelling Place - Numbers 35:34

"You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the LORD dwell in the midst of the people of Israel." God explained to the Israelites how to handle punishment for someone who murders another person. If one person intentionally killed another person, then it is murder and the murderer should be executed by the relatives of the victim. If one person accidentally killed another person, then he could escape to a city of refuge where he would be safe from the avengers until he could present his case in court. So God was warning the Israelites that since He was dwelling among them He didn't want the land defiled by murders and vengeance. In the unfolding plan of God, He  was raising up a nation of people and dwelling among them in a tabernacle and ultimately in a temple. The sacrificial system and sequence of religious holidays and feasts were the way God appointed to recognize and practice His presence among them as a nation. All this was a step toward the time when God would dwell in the individual and collective hearts of his people by the Holy Spirit. How privileged we are to enjoy and participate in the abundant life God gives us in these last days. Heavenly Father, let me be aware of and walk in your presence each day.