The book of Exodus ends on a really high note for Israel – the tabernacle is erected, sanctified and anointed, Aaron and his sons are sanctified and anointed as priests, and the Spirit of God resides in a brand new tent of meeting.
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.’ This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 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.” (v1-8,16,34,38)
God has a brand new physical dwelling place among the people of Israel, which continues to fulfill this promise to Abraham: “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” (Gen 17:7) and this same promise to Moses: “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Ex 6:7) God is holding up His end of the covenant to be their God, filling their nation with His presence. He is their guide and provider, and none can question is authority and power.
God has made this scenario perfect – He is their God, they are His people, and their only requirement is to keep His commandments. Even when they fail to keep His commandments, which they often do, there is an altar for sin offerings so that they may atone. It sounds ideal, right? God has carefully planned for every contingency to carry His people through the mess we made of this world (ie. sin and the curse). This is where we insert “and they lived happily ever after” and fade to black.
Not quite. There is still a great deal of work to be done, which we’ll read more about in the next book – Leviticus. The people’s hearts are still hard, their vision is still limited to the present moment, and despite the towering cloud/fire and many miracles they still doubt and disobey their God. Welcome to the human (sinful) condition. Thankfully, God has abundant grace and mercy, and a long-term plan to one day have Jesus permanently solve the sin issue. Stay tuned.
Father God, Almighty Lord of Israel, we praise You today. You are so abundantly gracious and merciful with us, a broken and sinful people who just can’t get it right on our own. Thank You for placing Yourself into the mess that is our lives. Thank you for pouring out Your love on us, planning for every contingency and granting us forgiveness moment by moment. We acknowledge Your sovereignty in our lives and pray that You would help us to follow You better today than we did yesterday. We cannot obey You without Your help – You are our source of perseverance and strength, all that is good within us comes from You. Jesus, through Your sacrifice please help us to remain wholly reconciled to the Father, even when we falter. God, please forgive us and be patient with us, as we travel this road together with You. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training