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110_Filled with the glory of the Lord

Ex 40: 1-8 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7 and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

33 And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Many years ago, there was an old craftsman in a small village. He was known for building beautiful houses, each one uniquely and carefully designed and built. His last project was in his own village. It was to be the most wonderful house he had ever built. It was built for a lovely family with roots in the village that went back for generations. He meticulously selected the finest materials, carved flowing intricate designs, and made sure everything was perfect. When it was complete, the people of the village marveled at its beauty. Yet the master craftsman seemed to be waiting for something more. It was only when the family moved in, filling his masterpiece with love, laughter, and life, that he was deeply content. Now it was truly a home.

In Exodus 40, the completion of the Tabernacle is described. Built exactly according to God’s detailed instructions, it was a beautiful, holy dwelling place. It was made from the finest materials the Israelites could offer. Every detail, from the golden lampstand to the embroidered curtains, had been carefully crafted as an act of worship. Yet it was only an empty structure, until the presence of God filled it. It was His glory that lifted it beyond the level of this earth.

The journey to this moment was long. It had begun with God’s call to Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. It led through trials, failures, and restoration. The people had witnessed the mighty acts of God—from the burning bush to the plagues in Egypt, from the parting of the Red Sea to the thunder on Mount Sinai. Despite his loving kindness and faithfulness, they were slow to develop an unconditional loyalty to their God. The golden calf incident had shown their tendency to go astray and worship idols, rather than learning from him. But when they repented and faithfully followed God’s instructions, they experienced the blessing of His presence in their midst.

God had given precise instructions for the Tabernacle. Nothing was left to human imagination. He detailed the materials, the measurements, the furnishings, the patterns of each object and adornment, the order of construction, the qualifications of the workers, and even the timing of its consecration. Seven times in Exodus 40, we read the phrase, “as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Faithful obedience was central to making this place a home for God’s presence. Human creativity and effort, however excellent, can never replace obedience to God’s revealed will.

Moses led the people in this work. He had interceded for them when they sinned, pleaded for God’s mercy, and faithfully carried out God’s instructions. Now, even Moses, who had spent 80 days and nights alone in God’s presence on the mountain, could not enter the Tabernacle when the glory of the Lord filled it. The presence of God was overwhelming and awe-inspiring. His glory settled among His people, leading them forward in their journey. Every morning when they woke, the Tabernacle was at the center of their camp, reminding them that their lives revolved around God. His commands, reflecting his heart, were central to their manner of life.

This event foreshadowed the reality of our Immanuel, Jesus Christ. He is the true dwelling place of God among us. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.” The Greek word used for “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled.” Jesus, in His life, death, and resurrection, fulfilled the hints offered by the Tabernacle. He is our Mediator, our High Priest, the one sufficient propitiation for our sins, and our living access into the presence of God. Just as the Tabernacle was at the center of Israel’s life, He is at the center of the church.

Without God’s presence, the Tabernacle was just a beautiful but empty tent. Without Christ, our lives are empty, no matter how well-constructed they may seem. Many people strive to build impressive lives—careers, wealth, reputations. However, without the indwelling presence of God, they remain hollow. True fulfillment is from yielding our hearts to be the temple of the Lord, ruled and filled by his Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” The Tabernacle was only for a time. But God has poured out his Spirit to be with us and in us forever. God does not dwell in a tent made by human hands, but in the hearts of his people. Let this reality transform how we live. The Israelites carefully obeyed God’s instructions to prepare a physical dwelling for Him. But we are His dwelling place indeed through the Spirit. Let us all the more diligently seek to perfect holiness in our lives in the fear of God.

When the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle, Israel entered a new epoch. They were no longer wandering aimlessly; they were led by the presence of God. The cloud by day and the fire by night directed and protected every step. For the people of Christ, He is our leader. He is central to our decisions, our priorities, and our worship.

The old craftsman’s house only became a home when it was filled with life. Let us set our hearts in order, in the obedience of faith, so that they may be filled with the Spirit of God. He comes in His grace to build us up in our faith and transform us into a fit home for himself. We are no longer wandering aimlessly; we are led by His Spirit. Let us follow his leading, so that his light may shine in a dark world, reflecting His glory. God bless.