Moses--Day 26

Monday, October 4

Moses: Called, Challenged, Changed

Day 26—The Filling

So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the Lord commanded him. Exodus 40:17

Suggested reading: Exodus 40

We have come to the last week of our study as well as the last chapter of Exodus, but as you probably know, Moses’ story is far from over. We have a lot of ground to cover the next five days. And as you also probably know, “this ground” for the Israelites was covered repetitively for forty years—ugh. But that’s for tomorrow’s post…

TODAY is a very good day for God’s people! The Israelites had finished the construction of all the different artifacts that were to be placed in the temple. God told Moses that it was now time to erect the Tent of Meeting and bring everything inside.

The Lord said to Moses…

Place the ark of the Testimony in it and shield the ark with the curtain.

Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it.

Then bring in the lampstand and set up the lamps.

Place the gold altar of the incense in front of the ark of the Testimony and

Put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle… (v 2-5). And so on.

All of these things (and more) had a specific place in the sanctuary; and as stated before, these appointed places were not random. Even their positions were purposeful in pointing to the future Messiah. Moses obeyed all of God’s instructions and finished the work (v.33).

If I could do a drumroll right now for you to hear, I would.

God is about to enter the Tent of Meeting so he can dwell with the people he loves! To tabernacle with them (and then with us) had been his plan from before the beginning of time. Read this short powerful sentence and then maybe take a moment to visualize it:

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (v. 34).

The One who performed wonders in Egypt, the One who opened up the Red Sea, the One who brought water from rock, the One who provided bread from heaven, the One who shook the mountain with his holiness, this One was now residing in the midst of his people.

The I AM was in his house.

Thoughts:

I will say it again, today is a very good day for God’s people. Why? Because the same glory that came down and entered the Tent of Meeting thousands of years ago, is the same glory that fills you and me right now.

YOU are HIS temple. I am HIS temple. This sanctuary of old pointed to the Messiah, and he has come; he has died; and he has risen! The cloud back then is his Spirit right now! His desire is unchanging: he WANTS to dwell with his people. If we could all say a “Hallelujah” so that each of us could hear one another, that would be my wish! How sweet it is to be linked together by the Spirit of God.

The analogy continues: 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 house of Israel during all their travels (v. 38). Likewise, as we have discussed before, God watches over us, day and night. His loving Spirit guides us as we read, meditate on, and obey his living word. He is with us in “all of our travels” through every season of life.

Yes indeed, today is a very good day for God’s people.

Going deeper and sweeter: John 1:14; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your loving desire to “tabernacle” with us. Please come! Invade us with your Spirit and involve us in your ways! Amen.