9 September Exodus 40

The Presence of God in our lives.

Exodus 40:34-38 (AMP) “Then the cloud [the Shekinah, God’s visible, dwelling presence] covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud remained on it, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey on until the day when it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

What an incredible picture! God physically led His people with a cloud covering the tabernacle during the day and fire that appeared at night. Imagine seeing God lead you like that. When the cloud moved, they moved. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. The same with the fire, when it moved, they moved, and when it stopped, they stopped. At every step of their journey, they followed God, who guided them, showing His glory right before them. This is a picture of the Christian life.

Glory means a visible manifestation of God’s presence. God is showing himself to his people by continuing to call the Tabernacle his home. Jesus is the manifest presence of God. He is God’s presence, making a home with us. John 1:14 (NIV) The “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.

Revelation 21:3 (NIV) “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God”. The most crucial moment in the Exodus was when God's glory filled the Tabernacle. From the beginning, God's plan wasn't just to free His people from slavery but to bring them into a relationship with Him. What the Israelites needed was to know God personally in their lives.

In the same way, God wants to be with you and guide you through life. He doesn’t just save you through Jesus’ sacrifice but also sends His Spirit to live with you and guide you daily. The glory of God that filled the Tabernacle now lives in you through the Holy Spirit.

As the Israelites experienced God's glory filling the Tabernacle, we, too, are invited into a close relationship with God. His presence is not just a distant memory or a historical event but a living reality in our lives today. Through Jesus, God made His home among us, and through the Holy Spirit, He continues to dwell within us, guiding us every step of the way. Just as the Israelites followed the cloud and fire, we are called to follow God's leading in our lives, trusting in His presence and rejoicing in His glory that now lives within us. This faith journey is a reminder that God's ultimate desire is to be with us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us into His likeness.