The Great Question
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 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.
Exodus 40:34-38
As we look toward kicking off Leviticus next week, here is the culmination of the Exodus. God has rescued his people from slavery in Israel, brought them through the wilderness and despite their grumbling and sins against Him, his glory has come amongst them.
But notice verse 35. What’s going on there?
It’s interesting. Moses has been in God’s presence before. You might argue that of all people, Moses has been closer to God than any other human. But now he can’t enter the tent of meeting? Interestingly, Moses will never enter the Holy of Holies.
Is this connected to Moses being denied entry to the promised land for his lack of faith? I don’t think so.
Instead, I think it’s all about God showing us something. Ever since Genesis 3, God has refrained from dwelling with his people. There are moments, like when Moses ascends the mountain. But here’s the question at the heart of Leviticus. Who can safely enter God’s glorious presence? I wonder what or who you think the answer is?
Well, stay tuned. Sorry - no spoilers for today. But maybe you already know the answer.
Today:
Pray:
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 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.
Exodus 40:34-38
As we look toward kicking off Leviticus next week, here is the culmination of the Exodus. God has rescued his people from slavery in Israel, brought them through the wilderness and despite their grumbling and sins against Him, his glory has come amongst them.
But notice verse 35. What’s going on there?
It’s interesting. Moses has been in God’s presence before. You might argue that of all people, Moses has been closer to God than any other human. But now he can’t enter the tent of meeting? Interestingly, Moses will never enter the Holy of Holies.
Is this connected to Moses being denied entry to the promised land for his lack of faith? I don’t think so.
Instead, I think it’s all about God showing us something. Ever since Genesis 3, God has refrained from dwelling with his people. There are moments, like when Moses ascends the mountain. But here’s the question at the heart of Leviticus. Who can safely enter God’s glorious presence? I wonder what or who you think the answer is?
Well, stay tuned. Sorry - no spoilers for today. But maybe you already know the answer.
Today:
- Keep reading Exodus if you haven’t finished it and even have a look at Leviticus
- Consider the question - who can safely enter God’s glorious presence?
- Give thanks that God dwells with you.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is glorious.
- Give thanks for Jesus who came so that we could see God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and others to see the privilege that it is to have God dwell with you.
Posted in Exodus
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