God's Presence: A Testament of Love and Redemption
Summary
In our journey through the book of Exodus, we have arrived at a pivotal moment that signifies not an end, but a commencement of God's unfolding plan. As we delve into Exodus chapter 40, we witness the completion of the Tabernacle and the descent of God's glory upon it. This momentous event is a testament to God's desire to dwell among His people, despite their sinfulness and rebellion. The cloud covering the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle is a powerful image that illustrates God's awesome presence and His sovereignty over His people.
The construction of the Tabernacle was a collective effort, with every Israelite contributing according to their ability and resources. The overwhelming generosity of God's people led to an abundance of materials, a reflection of their unity and dedication to God's command. This act of giving and building was not merely about constructing a physical structure; it was about preparing a holy space where God could reside among His people.
The presence of the cloud and fire signified God's guidance and protection. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites moved; when it remained, they stayed. This was a clear indication that God was in control, directing their every step. It was a reminder that our circumstances, desires, or opinions do not dictate our path—God does. His sovereignty is a source of comfort and assurance, for He knows what is best for us, even when we do not understand or agree with His ways.
The end of Exodus is a beginning because it sets the stage for God's continued work in the lives of His people. It is the first book in a series that unfolds God's redemptive plan. The subsequent books reveal the provision of a temporary means for sinful people to enter God's presence, the coming of Jesus to reconcile us to a holy God, the mission of the church to invite sinners into God's presence through Jesus' sacrifice, and the future hope of seeing Jesus face to face.
As we reflect on the grandeur of God and His actions at the end of Exodus, we are invited to expand our understanding of His majesty and glory. God's desire to be with us, despite our imperfections, is a profound truth that should leave us in awe. The God who once declared that His people could not come near the mountain where He descended in fire and smoke, now dwells among them in the Tabernacle. This is the God we serve—a God who is awesome in glory, in charge, and with us.
Key Takeaways:
- God's desire to dwell among His people is a testament to His relentless love and grace. Despite our failings and sin, He chooses to make His presence known and accessible. This truth should inspire us to live in a manner worthy of His dwelling among us. [36:37]
- The collective effort in building the Tabernacle demonstrates the power of unity and generosity within the body of Christ. When we come together, each contributing our gifts and resources, we can accomplish great things for the kingdom of God. [34:22]
- God's sovereignty in guiding the Israelites through the cloud and fire is a reminder that He is the ultimate authority in our lives. We can trust His timing and direction, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and has our best interests at heart. [42:22]
- The narrative of Exodus serves as the beginning of a larger story of redemption that culminates in Jesus Christ. Each part of the story reveals more of God's plan to reconcile us to Himself, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work. [37:28]
- The presence of God's glory in the Tabernacle is a foretaste of the splendor we will experience in eternity. It challenges us to expand our view of God and to live in constant awareness of His majesty and holiness. [38:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 40:33-38: "So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the Tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event occurs at the end of Exodus 40:33, and how is it described in the passage? ([32:07])
2. How did the Israelites know when to move and when to stay during their journeys? ([42:22])
3. What was the collective response of the Israelites when Moses called for contributions to build the Tabernacle? ([34:22])
4. Describe the visible signs of God's presence with the Israelites as mentioned in the passage. ([39:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the completion of the Tabernacle and the immediate descent of God's glory signify about His relationship with the Israelites? ([39:05])
2. How does the Israelites' obedience to the cloud and fire reflect their trust in God's sovereignty? ([42:22])
3. In what ways does the generosity and unity of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle serve as a model for the church today? ([34:22])
4. How does the presence of God's glory in the Tabernacle at the end of Exodus foreshadow the future hope of seeing Jesus face to face? ([37:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your life. How did it impact your actions and decisions? ([39:58])
2. The Israelites moved or stayed based on God's guidance through the cloud and fire. How can you seek and follow God's direction in your daily life? ([42:22])
3. The Israelites' overwhelming generosity in building the Tabernacle is a powerful example of unity and dedication. How can you contribute your gifts and resources to support your church community? ([34:22])
4. God's desire to dwell among His people despite their imperfections is a profound truth. How does this understanding of God's grace and love influence your relationship with Him? ([46:32])
5. The end of Exodus marks the beginning of a larger story of redemption. How can you actively participate in God's redemptive work in your community? ([37:28])
6. The presence of God's glory in the Tabernacle challenges us to expand our view of His majesty and holiness. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's glory in your life? ([40:43])
7. God's sovereignty is a source of comfort and assurance. How can you trust His timing and direction, especially in situations where you do not understand or agree with His ways? ([44:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Indwelling Presence
God's relentless love and grace are evident in His desire to dwell among His people, despite our imperfections. This profound truth is not just a historical account but a present reality that invites us to live in a way that honors His presence in our lives. The construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus was a significant event, marking the point where God chose to make His presence accessible to His people. It was a physical manifestation of God's commitment to be with His people, guiding and sanctifying them. This same God who once seemed distant on the mountain now invites us into a personal relationship, asking us to be the living tabernacles of His Spirit. As we consider the implications of God's presence, we are called to examine our lives and ensure that we are creating a space within ourselves that is worthy of His dwelling. The generosity and unity displayed by the Israelites in their contributions to the Tabernacle's construction are a model for us, showing that when we give of ourselves for God's purposes, we participate in something much larger than our individual lives. [36:37]
Exodus 25:8-9 (ESV)
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice that honors God's presence within you and reflects His love to those around you?
Day 2: Unity and Generosity in God's Work
The collective effort in building the Tabernacle demonstrates the transformative power of unity and generosity within the community of believers. When each person contributes their unique gifts and resources, the body of Christ can accomplish extraordinary things for God's kingdom. This unity and generosity are not just about material contributions but also about the shared spirit of service and worship. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to work together, supporting one another in our efforts to spread the Gospel and serve our communities. The abundance of materials for the Tabernacle was a testament to the Israelites' willingness to give selflessly. In the same way, our collective efforts can lead to an outpouring of God's blessings and the advancement of His kingdom on earth. [34:22]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What unique gifts can you contribute to your church community, and how can you encourage others to join in a collective effort for God's work?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereign Guidance
God's sovereignty in guiding the Israelites through the cloud and fire is a powerful reminder that He is the ultimate authority in our lives. The Israelites' journey was marked by a clear dependence on God's direction, as they moved only when the cloud lifted and stayed when it remained. This image of divine guidance challenges us to trust in God's timing and direction for our own lives. We are often tempted to follow our own desires or the opinions of others, but God's sovereignty assures us that He knows what is best for us. By surrendering to His will, we can find peace and assurance, even in the midst of uncertainty. The cloud and fire were not only symbols of guidance but also of God's protection and presence. In our own lives, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, leading us every step of the way. [42:22]
Numbers 9:18-20 (ESV)
"At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out."
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to relinquish control and trust in God's sovereign guidance?
Day 4: Participating in God's Redemptive Story
The narrative of Exodus is the beginning of a larger story of redemption that culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each part of the story, from the laws given to Moses to the establishment of the priesthood, reveals more of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself. As believers, we are invited to participate in this redemptive work by sharing the Gospel and living out the implications of Jesus' sacrifice. The Tabernacle was a temporary means for sinful people to enter God's presence, pointing forward to the ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ. Understanding our place in this story can transform the way we live and interact with the world around us. We are part of a divine narrative that is still unfolding, and our lives are a testament to God's ongoing work of redemption. [37:28]
Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV)
"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: How can you more actively engage in God's redemptive story in your community and beyond?
Day 5: Living in Awe of God's Majesty
The presence of God's glory in the Tabernacle is a glimpse of the splendor we will experience in eternity. This foretaste challenges us to expand our view of God and to live in constant awareness of His majesty and holiness. The Israelites experienced God's glory as a tangible reality, and while we may not see a cloud or fire, we can still encounter God's presence in our lives. This encounter should inspire a sense of awe and reverence that affects how we live, worship, and relate to others. As we grow in our understanding of God's character, we are called to reflect His glory in our actions and attitudes. The God who once descended in fire and smoke on the mountain and later dwelt in the Tabernacle now invites us to experience His presence through the Holy Spirit. Let us be mindful of this incredible privilege and respond with lives that honor His majesty. [38:23]
1 Kings 8:10-11 (ESV)
"And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe for God's majesty in your daily life and worship?
Quotes
1) "God knows what he's doing even when you don't think he does. God knows what he's doing even when you don't understand what he's doing." [44:38] (Download)
2) "God is awesome because he's in charge... He'll only and always do what is best for you." [45:33] (Download)
3) "This God that came down on Mount Sinai as fire and smoke... now dwells among them in the Tabernacle. This is the God we serve—a God who is awesome in glory, in charge, and with us." [47:27] (Download)
4) "At the end of Exodus you're meant to get just a small vision of the splendor and the magnificence of God... you're invited to just have your mind blown by the glory of this God." [41:35] (Download)
5) "God is firmly in charge when the cloud lifts they go when it doesn't lift they stay... God calls the shots for God's people." [42:22] (Download)
6) "An awesome God desires to dwell with a sinful people... at the end of Exodus you're just to go like 'wow, God came down to them.'" [36:37] (Download)
7) "The very second that they put that last nail in, Boom, the glory falls on the temple immediately... the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle." [39:05] (Download)
8) "God's people... gave so much that God has to... tell the people to quit it because too much has been given. We don't need anymore to build the Tabernacle." [35:05] (Download)
9) "The end of Exodus comes which is only just the beginning... it fits into the big picture of what God's doing and how it connects us to the Lord's Supper this morning." [35:52] (Download)
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