Exodus 40
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Exodus 40:34-38, Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
We have finally made it to the final chapter of the book of Exodus! Good job, everyone!!! In today’s chapter, we find Moses and the Israelites setting up the tabernacle. All they had constructed now needed to find its proper place. Once all was in place, the Scripture says that “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” The presence of the Lord was a cloud by day. At night, there was fire in the cloud so it could easily be seen. When the Israelites saw the cloud move, they knew it was time to pick up and move. When the cloud stayed in place, they knew to stay in place as well.
The cloud was visible manifestation of an invisible God. In a hot, sunny, arid climate, God’s presence was a sign of both comforting shade and divine authority, right in their midst. How do we see the presence of God in our midst today? Think about the last week, how have you seen the living God at work in your daily experiences, in your interactions with others, in your prayer and study time, or in times of worship? While God may not show up as a visible cloud, God is here with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would love to hear about how you have experienced God’s glory. Send me an email with your “glory sightings” – vicki@findnewhope.com.
Let’s pray…God, we thank you that your presence is always with us. Help us see your glory daily, help us pay attention to how you are at work in our lives, and help us always be ready to respond to your promptings. We love you. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.