What a befitting way to close our reflection on Exodus
with these five verses of the book. They reveal to us about God’s presence in the
journey with His people. God had stamped His seal of divine approval when the
Tent of meeting was set up. Exodus 40:34 tells us that the cloud covered the
Tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle when Moses had
finished his work. They had experienced the glory of God throughout the
journey. They experienced it through the cloud and the pillar of fire that
guided them in their journey in the wilderness. They saw it in all the miracles
God performed to bring about the mighty deliverance. Personally, Moses saw it
on Mount Sinai when God even granted him the privilege to see the aftermath of
His glory. Yet never had Moses or the Israelites experienced the glory in such
a stupendous way. The glory of God came down and filled up every square centimeter
of the space of the Tabernacle. The radiance of God’s very being was felt. The
fullness of God came down – The Creator God who led them out of Egypt by
miraculous performances. This God who sustained them throughout the wilderness
journey and gave them the truth in the Law. This God who compassionately
forgave their sin and set them apart as His own people. Yes, this God was
present among them in all His glory. They could see it in the Tabernacle, the
earthly dwelling that was just set up.
What’s
amazing is that while the whole purpose of the Tabernacle was for God to be
with them, yet when it came crunch time when the glory of God filled it, not
even Moses could enter in. Why? This whole scene tells us that atonement was
required for anyone to enter the presence of God. The brazen altar of sacrifice
was the very first article within the fence of the courtyard. It tells us that
atonement was needed for men to enter into the presence of the holy God. In
much the same way, we can come into a relationship with God only through the
atonement that Christ had completed for us at Mount Calvary.
What’s
encouraging is that this great and glorious God would come down and dwell among
His people. He not only saved them but now would come among them to guide
them. The glory cloud was to show them when to break camp and move.
As long as the cloud remained hovering over the Tabernacle, they would not
break camp. But as soon as the cloud was lifted, they knew it was time to go. God
was guiding them in their journey. God is not only great, but He is also near.
This is a truth we must remember. He did not rescue us and then leave us to
meander our way through life. He is gracious after saving us. He provides us
with means of grace to sustain our journey with Him. The Holy Spirit is God’s
glory cloud for us. We need Him in our journey. He is God’s provision for us to
guide us in our walk with Him. Isn’t it comforting to know that God has sent
the Holy Spirit to travel alongside us? He will guide us into all truth. The
story of Exodus ends with God traveling with His people. Salvation begins when
God took us out of the domain of darkness and set us on a journey with Him.
This is only the beginning of a life-long journey. But while we are on the way,
God, through the Holy Spirit, is walking alongside us to guide us, if we let
Him. Be sure to make your journey in life with this glory cloud of God. Don’t
leave home without Him!”
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