Today’s Tasting: Exodus 39-40: The people of Israel completed the furnishings for the tabernacle (tent of meeting) and the clothing for the priestly garments as the Lord had commanded Moses. The skilled craft workers set precious stones in gold and engraved each one with the name of one of the tribes of Israel as a memorial, and put these on the priestly garments. The people brought everything to Moses, who anointed all the furnishings, the priestly garments, and the priests with oil. Moses assembled the tabernacle. Then the priests served in the tabernacle, as instructed by the Lord.
When it was finished, the cloud of glory covered the tent of meeting and the glory of God filled the place. When the cloud of glory lifted, the people of Israel packed up and set out on a journey to follow the cloud. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the tent of meeting during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud illuminating God’s glory for the camp of Israel. This continued throughout all their journeys in the wilderness.
Today’s Nourishment: God’s Presence changes people and God’s Presence dwells in temples to reflect His glory and build His kingdom.
1. God’s Presence changes people: Israel prepared a space where God’s glory (presence) rested. Every inch of space connected to the tent of meeting and the surrounding areas of the tent were illuminated with His presence. His Presence changed everything about the people and how they lived.
“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV).
The glory of God rested upon His Son, Jesus Christ. Now, the glory of God rests within and upon believers so we can be transformed into His image by His Spirit. His Spirit transforms us as we allow Him to change us.
2. God’s Presence dwells in His temple to reflect His glory and build His kingdom: The glory of God rested upon and in the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God. His glory still fills His temple, whom we are, and builds His temple into a dwelling place for God (in us).
“You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God … Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV).
Believers are now God’s dwelling place. See Jesus as the glory of God in and upon your life. See the Spirit of Christ as the Spirit who guides you while you continue on your journey of life. Know that Jesus said He was going away to send another just like Him. Experience His glory today as you ask, “Holy Spirit, fill me with your glory to live with awareness of your presence and help me do the works of Jesus, by building your kingdom.”
How has the Holy Spirit changed you?
How has He filled you to live the Christ life and do the works of Jesus?
Tomorrow’s Delight: Leviticus 1-4
Carolyn Marlowe, CCLC
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Yes we truly are the temple of God and His Spirit dwells in us ( Eph 3:16). My prayer is that my life in every way will reflect Him a a way that will draw people unto Him. Thank you Carolyn I desire an awareness of His presence to help me do the work He’s called me to.
So thankful for God’s presence and thankful that His spirit will lead us if if/when we allow him.