Moses had spend considerable time in the Lord’s presence.
This was for the sole purpose of getting God’s instructions for the construction of a special dwelling place.
Moses paid careful attention to the instructions and then encouraged the people to likewise pay attention to them and offer any support they could to the development of this special dwelling place.
Moses took this project very seriously indeed:
So the people of Israel followed all of the Lord’s instructions to Moses. Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them.
Exodus 39:42-43
God loves His building projects. Whether it was the garden or the boat for Noah and his family, the tabernacle or the temple or even the Bride/Body of Christ, God loved putting together these projects. He did these as an opportunity not just for the people to enjoy. He built them so that finally there was a place where He could be with His people. This is why the great building project of the New Jerusalem coming out of heaven is a particular project that stimulates great excitement among those who admire the glorious projects created in time past.
For these to be constructed, however, it required obedient and faithful people to pay attention to the instructions given and to set up the structure for God to settle in. People had their parts to play. Moses in particular saw everything that the people had put together and then made sure himself that everythign was in its place just as instructed, so that this tabernacle could be just right.
He knew success had taken place because God’s response to this dwelling place being prepared.
So at last Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
Exodus 40:33-35
When instructions are followed the seal of approval is the very presence of God with man. What a glorious image. What a vindication of Moses’ persistence to seek the presence of the Lord to go with the people and for His desire to be obedient to all that God had told him. What a reassurance to know that going through the aspects of the project just as instructed proved to have a response that could only be described as truly glorious.
Moses experienced the greatness of God and now presented the people with an opportunity to see it too – all because they did just what the Lord commanded.
Those who follow Jesus are part of God’s masterpiece – His workmanship created for good works. He is likewise looking for us to be in the right place, functioning just as He commands, living just as He has instructed so that through us His glory can be experienced. It is the honour of certain people called by God to share those instructions and encourage us to behave as the living stones we’re called to be that together are the dwelling place for the presence of our God.
The diligence of Moses to play his part gives us a model to consider. Also highlights how we are to be responsive and obedient to Jesus as He builds His masterpiece. As He looks for us to be set up to be a structure for Him to settle in.
(Photo by Alain Pham on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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