Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Exodus 38-40; Hebrews 1 Listen to Today's Reading
Exodus 40:34-38
The Glory of the Lord
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted.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 (NIV)
As we journey through the Bible together in our One Story study, it has been fun to explore references in the Old Testament that allude to events and people that are yet to come in the New Testament and stories in the New Testament that reference things from the history of the Old Testament. Likewise, we can follow the message in these verses from their origin in the Old Testament, through the New Testament, and clear to today.
In these verses, God shows his presence with his people, guiding them; if you see the cloud, stay put, and if you don’t, get a move on. In this example, God is guiding and showing his presence from somewhat of a far, through the symbols of cloud and fire. In fact, God’s Glory was so intense no one, not even Moses, could enter the tabernacle while God occupied it.
In the New Testament, through Jesus, God came to be with his people and to dwell among them, to interact directly with them, and to show them the way – face to face. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, and we have seen his glory."
Then, after Jesus was resurrected, God sent his Holy Spirit to dwell within all his people, each and every one, to guide them! This means God is directly accessible to any of us, at any time.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Jesus did so much more than forgive our sins. He allowed us a direct connection to God. We never have to go searching for God. He’s always with us, waiting for us to reach out, to seek his guidance.
Questions for Reflection:
- Am I seeking God’s guidance?
- Do I listen for His answer after I seek it?
- When do I feel His presence the most? How can I spend more time there?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father and Counselor, thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit with me always. I know you are but a thought away at any time. Please help me to remember to seek You and Your Wisdom and to see and hear Your Direction when it’s given. I am so grateful to have You in my life to guide, to comfort, and to love me through all my earthly experiences. I pray that I may be a good daughter, spreading Your Love and living Your Will. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Login To Leave Comment