Glory of the Lord

Today we finish the book of Exodus. We will return to the story of the children of Israel after we go back to the New Testament for a while. We'll read the book of Mark, and then I was planning on returning after that to Leviticus (though I am open to persuasion). Today we read a most remarkable ending to what has been and incredible book. You'll see what I mean.

Read Proverbs 25:1-14

Read Exodus 40

There you have it. The tabernacle is built, and God's glory comes to rest inside of it. His glory is something that is visible, something very real, his actual presence. The people of Israel could physically see God's glory. Maybe it was something like a glowing cloud - smoke and fire. When it remained in the tabernacle, they stayed put. When it went up from there and went before them, they followed.

Amazingly, the Apostle John had this in mind when he said that he and the other disciples witnessed the very presence and glory of God. John said of Jesus, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This word dwelt is literally tented, or tabernacled. Jesus is the fulfillment of the tabernacle. If he stayed put, so did the disciples. If he led the way, they followed. John also says, "We have seen his glory." Indeed, the very majesty of God peaked through as Jesus was transfigured on the mountain. Normally, he hid his glory. But there he shone with splendor.

And an even more brilliant moment was shown the world when as a bleeding, dying man he gave up his life on the cross. We think of it more as gruesome than glorious, but really, we rejoice and praise him for his death and resurrection. So really, even that gory moment was glorious. As we sing in Lent, "In the cross of Christ I glory."

What a gracious God! He is pleased to dwell with his people. He is pleased to protect, provide, and to lead the way. He is pleased to promise, "I am with you always." And if Jesus is for us, who can be against us. Thanks be to God.

Thanks for journeying through Exodus with me. We'll begin Mark 1 tomorrow. I think we'll finish up Proverbs and then return to the Psalms as our additional reading each day.

Pray:

Pray what is on your heart today. Pray that God would continue to dwell with his people in his glorious Word and Sacraments. Pray that he would guide and direct you every step of your earthly journey.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!