Scripture Passage for Today
Scripture Focus
“And so at last the Tabernacle was finished.” (Exodus 39:32 NLT)
“Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34 NLT)
Observation
The language of Exodus 39:32—“And so at last the Tabernacle was finished”—echoes the language of Genesis 2:2—“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing.” And then, in both cases, something glorious happens. In Genesis, God rests…and by resting, creates the Sabbath—a rest into which He invites His people. In Exodus 40, God comes to rest among His people…filling the tabernacle with His glory!
Each case pictures both a completion and beginning. And each case points to yet another completion and beginning. In John 19:30, Jesus declares a completed work of atonement: “It is finished.” And fifty days later—the work completed and the tabernacle ready—God’s power once more descends, filling the tabernacle that is His redeemed people!
It’s remarkable, really. When I read the account in Exodus, one reaction is to be a bit envious of the warm intimacy and clear direction the Israelites received from such a powerful and clearly present God. But the fact is, as a Spirit-filled New Testament believer, I have even more—this same glorious God who filled the tabernacle in Exodus has taken up residence in me! The Eternal has invaded the here-and-now in the person of Kent Duncan.
Oh, I know—there’s a million ways in which that doesn’t seem to be consistently evident in my life. I’ll be the first to admit that. But my inconsistencies don’t shortcut Biblical realities for even a moment. And “the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39 NIV).
2 comments:
The Tabernacle was completed by following God's instructions. I am sure that it required alot of painstaking work, but all of it had been done God's way. This wasnt done with the thought of "good enough for God". rather, here was the melding of faith, commitment to God, and perseverance. Our spiritual renewal and sustained spirtual growth will be built in the same way. Personally, I must learn to persevere and remain accountable to others to preserve my own spiritual gains, but in the end the joyous freedom I will experience will make it all worthwhile. Glen H
Amen Pastor, The new Covenant with God is Alive in us. We are part of the people set aside for his pleasure. We are Tools for the accomplishment of HIS good works. We are a light that shines into the darkness proclaiming His Name. Adopted Heirs to the throne of God. All because HE Planned it.
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