L. Michael Morales > Quotes

“When we give up on what draws us near to God, we become like beasts.”
― L. Michael Morales

“It is by suffering that Christ brings it in to the kingdoms of this world”
― L. Michael Morales

“Leviticus, then, is a book about the theme of dwelling with God in the house of God, and how that reality is finally made possible. Israel’s deepest hope, to dwell in YHWH’s house upon his holy mountain, was not merely a liturgical question but a historical quest. A gravely confounding quest, to be sure, for who may ‘dwell with the devouring fire?’ (Isa. 33:14). And yet Israel’s destiny, nevertheless, is to become just such a wonder, akin to the burning bush, to be ‘burning with fire, but not consumed’, alight with the glory of the Presence of God (Exod. 3:2–3).”
― L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus

“Aside from acknowledging the utility of beginning ‘with the beginning’, few interpreters sufficiently weigh the function of the Genesis 1:1 – 2:3 creation account as a prologue within the overall narrative drama of the Pentateuch.1 Indeed, the fundamental plotline of the Pentateuch (and redemptive history) is often missed precisely from the failure to discern the ultimate goal of creation, namely for humanity to dwell with God.”
― L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus

“In sum, through the exodus deliverance the nations were to know YHWH as the maker of heaven and earth who had re-created a new humanity (Israel) in order to fulfil his original purpose, opening a way for humanity to dwell in his Presence. Under the shadow of the Babylonian tower the nations scattered in exile would behold a wonder: Israel redeemed to dwell with God.”
― L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus

“Entering the house of God to dwell with God, beholding, glorifying and enjoying him eternally, I suggest, is the story of the Bible, the plot that makes sense of the various acts, persons and places of its pages, the deepest context for its doctrines.”
― L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus