Exodus 40
May 29, 2010
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Bible Passage: Exodus 40
Oftentimes, the feeling that one gets when one waits in anticipation, is one of exuberant hope. That type of joyful expectancy can hardly be described by words and is most likely to be seen through one’s expressions and demeanour.
The Spiritual Meeting may be one such occasion in the good tradition of our True Church that calls for such abundant joy and hope.
When the Holy Spirit works mightily and wondrously, the spiritual joys will be evident among the members of the Lord’s body.
Most of Exodus 40 tells us that Moses was faithful to the letter and kept to the instructions to lay out the articles within the erected tabernacle.
When all had been said and done, it came down to the love, mercy, and sovereign decision of the Lord to heed the sweet incense of the Israelites. And indeed, the Lord God was well pleased with His people.
Having chopped wood, carved branches, smelted gold, fashioned intricate parts, and woven cloths, the all-important day was around the corner.
Exodus 39:32 marked the end of all the preparations for the tabernacle.
“Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And… Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses…”
This time round, the meeting with the awesome God was no longer frightening as it was when God met Moses on Mount Sinai to give the Law (cf. Ex 20:18-21).
Instead, we see that God rested upon His chosen people, calling them out as a congregation, set apart from the rest of the world.
The cloud that rested upon the tabernacle covered it and filled it with the wondrous glory of God. Such wonder and amazement!
The conclusion of Exodus is a happy, happy affair.
The image of this gracious God who hovers protectively over His people is one that is a paragon of spiritual excellence for us to unceasingly strive untoward, throughout our entire lives.
During this Spiritual Meeting, let us reaffirm our status as the chosen people of God, called out from the world to be in His True Church.
The preparations must be done by us, and indeed have been done according to the specifications of God.
And as we wait upon the Lord expectantly, may we pray earnestly, such that the Holy Spirit will always rest abundantly in God’s Church. May His glory fill us all in all.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty!
Ex 40:34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
EX 40:38 For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night. In the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
What is the difference in the presence of God between Ex 40:34 and 38?
Ex 40:34 recorded that “the glory of God filled the tabernacle”.
One hot afternoon, “i” ask, “What is the cloud and fire?” Someone in the family replies, “God is guiding our journey by the cloud and fire.”
“i” observe that “Oh yes, we move camp whenever the cloud is taken up.”
The glory of God belongs to God in heaven. On earth, the cloud is always in the sight of all the house of Israel. Everyone can see the cloud and has the responsibility to look upon the cloud.