December 7
The Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle
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. Exodus 40:34-35
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things” (Psalm 118:16). Was this ever more evident than when God rescued his people from their slavery in Egypt with miracle after miracle? The Israelites had seen the power and glory of the Lord on full display. But along with his power, God also displayed his grace and care for the people he loved.
God spoke to his people through his servant Moses. “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). And God gave them a visible display of how he was present with his people. Moses set up the tabernacle with the sacred elements that God had prescribed. And then God covered the tabernacle with his glory.
Only this time, Moses couldn’t enter. He had spoken to God before, so why now was he prevented from entering it? Because God hadn’t called him into it this time. As special as the relationship was between Moses and God, he was still sinful. He needed a Savior too. Yet God made his dwelling among them. His glory covered the tabernacle.
We also have evidence of the power, glory, and grace of God around us. He has promised that he is with us to the very end of the age. And even in the midst of a sinful world, the blessings of God abound. But consider: if even Moses was prevented from being in God’s presence, what hope do we have, who often resemble the grumbling Israelites much more than Moses, the servant of God?
Just as God dwelled in the tabernacle, so Jesus dwelled among us. Jesus took on flesh so that we would have a visible display of the glory and grace of God. But more than that, he came to make it so we could dwell in his presence forever. Jesus was born to live for us and die on our behalf so that our eternal home would be the same place the glory of the Lord dwells. No longer is the place where God dwells closed. Through Jesus it is open to us.
Dear Jesus, thank you for dwelling among us so that we might dwell with you forever. Amen.
Rev. Nicolas Schmoller serves Martin Luther College as a professor of theology and Greek.
