Chapters 34-40 of Exodus describe the construction of the Tabernacle. It was a work of art and beautiful.
However, something was lacking. The most essential thing was missing but God supplied it. He came and dwelt within the tabernacle.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35).
Just as the Hebrew nation pleaded with God to accompany them on their journey to the Promised Land, we should do everything possible to experience God’s presence in our lives.
A beautiful church sanctuary, a beautiful house, good health, a good job – these are all fine in themselves, but they are no substitute for the presence of God.
Please read the selection below of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17. Notice what He prays for. It is nothing less than that we are unified with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
If we’re not pursuing the presence of God and settle for something less, we are cheating ourselves.
“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word,
“That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
“The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one,
“I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17.20-23).
Guidance and Wisdom
The idea of unity with God is mind-blowing and it is His gift for us. We should take advantage of what He has provided.
Not only can we be unified with God, but He offers to give us His guidance and wisdom. Notice how God’s presence guided the Hebrew nation as they approached the Promised Land.
Whenever the cloud was taken up from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey,
But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day that it was taken up.
For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey (Exodus 40.36-38).
The Hebrew nation didn’t have GPS; they had something better. They had God’s presence and He led them to their destination.
There are some things in my life that GPS will not help me navigate. The mysteries of life, the purpose of suffering, and the path to righteousness are all things that I need God’s help to discover.
Praise God, he is willing to help us with the complexities of our lives. He will give us clarity and discernment in our daily choices. This is his gracious gift to us that we should happily receive.
Spiritual Nourishment
Our Bible study is moving tomorrow from Exodus to the Book of Proverbs.
If you were to continue with the Hebrew people in their movement toward the Promised Land, you’d find there were times when they needed both food and water. They found the presence of God, the antidote for their needs.
The good news about God’s presence is that He is willing and able to provide us with strength during times of adversity.
Just like crops need sunlight and water to thrive, our souls need the presence of God to flourish and bear the fruits of love, joy, and peace.
Just as we need God’s spiritual nourishment, we also need to know the purpose and meaning that is behind our lives.
As humans, we are unable to discover this essential aspect of living. However, there is One who loves us and is eager to reveal to us our purpose that we would otherwise lack without his grace.
Transformation and Healing
I frequently refer to James Houston’s book, “The Transforming Friendship.” The title of that book describes what we need and what God is willing to do.
In the light of God’s presence, our brokenness is mended. Our sins are forgiven. We can overcome our limitations, release our burdens, and experience the healing of our inner selves.
We become the people that we always wanted to be, but could only do so in God’s grace.
You’re probably like me and have trouble answering questions such as, “Who am I? Why am I here? What is the meaning of life?”
God didn’t make us to live independently of Him. He made us to find the answers to those questions amid His presence. While living with Him, we will discover these critical answers and many more.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 