God Dwells With His People (Exodus 40:34-38)

Bible Passage: Exodus 40:34-38

For a large part of the book of Exodus, the focus has been on the construction of the tabernacle. God gave Moses clear and detailed plans for how the tabernacle would be built, and then craftsmen got to work turning that plan into a reality. By this final chapter of the book, the tabernacle is finally complete, and verse 33 tells us that ‘Moses finished the work’. In these final verses of the book, we see the moment that everything has been building to, as God’s very presence came down and filled the tabernacle. The people had been set free from slavery, and now they were finally able to draw near to God.

The Glory Fills the Tent: The cloud is a representation of the presence of God, and in this passage we see it covering the tent of meeting. God’s glory is in the most holy place. Prior to this point, people could only meet with God in sporadic ways, when he appeared to somebody in a particular moment. Now though, there is a place where God’s presence is, and anyone who wishes to meet with him can go there. As salvation history develops, we see the tabernacle replaced by the more permanent structure of the temple, and the glory cloud descends upon it (see 1 Kings 8:10). Eventually the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, but now the temple is not static, but is made up of the living stones of the people of God, and the same glory that dwelt in that tabernacle now lives in our hearts as the Spirit indwells us.

Moses May Not Enter: In verse 35, we are told that Moses could not enter the tent because the glory of the Lord had descended upon it. This reminds us that whilst so much progress had been made to get to this point, more was still needed. The presence of God is now in the midst of the people, but direct access to that presence was not permitted, even for a leader like Moses. This is because atonement for sin had not yet been made and sinful flesh cannot enter the presence of a holy God. It is only now, as a result of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, that the way to the most holy place has been opened (see Hebrews 10:19-22). We should not miss the privilege of the position that we are in and the access that we have to God, and we should draw close to him with faith.

God Leads The Way: The story finishes with a description of how God led the way for the people as they travelled. When they were to move to the next place, the presence of God lifted from the tent and led the way as a cloud by day and as a fire by night. When the cloud did not lift this was an indication that the people were not to move on that day. This is a vivid and visual illustration of being led by God, and it is something that we should seek to emulate as individuals and as church communities. Listening to the guidance of God and allowing him to set the agenda for us, then following where he leads is a call that is given to every Christian, just as it was a call on the ancient Israelites of this story.

Potential Applications:

• Offer to pray that people are filled with the Spirit and know this presence of God for ourselves.
• Remind people how God has opened a way to him through Christ and invite people to respond to the gospel for the first time.
• Perhaps you have some prophetic words to share with people as God is guiding them, or you could create space to listen to him together and see how he is leading you.