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At the end of the book of Exodus, we are given an amazing account of Moses setting up the tabernacle, the tent of congregation. This movable tabernacle was designed by God, but was fashioned by men whom God had gifted for that purpose (Exodus 36-39). The people of God came together and gave willingly and above what was needed for the Tabernacle, insomuch that the workmen had requested that they bring no more (Exodus 36:7). And then, through those four chapters (Exodus 36-39), God’s people used their gifts and talents that they were given and fashioned this amazing tabernacle.

And so, when we come to the 40th chapter, we see the result of God’s people laboring according to God’s ways to accomplish God’s work. At the end of this chapter, in the last five verses, we see some very encouraging words. 

Exodus 40:34-38 “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

In these verses, God manifests His presence in a special way to His people. The Bible says that “…the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” What a tremendous sight that must have been. Moses had spent time with the LORD on the mountain top, but at this moment, He could not even enter into the tent. We are told that God literally guided them in their journeys. He let them know when to go onward and when to wait. We all need this kind of guidance in our lives, don’t we? We need to know when to move forward, what direction to go, and how far to go. We need to know when to stay in place and wait upon the Lord. I believe this lesson is striking because the nation of Israel received that kind of direction when they obeyed the Lord following His specific instructions. We are told in the New Testament that we are now the temple of God. In fact, if you are a child of God, you are the beneficiary of His indwelling presence. Just as the Lord showed this nation which way to go, we, too, when we yield in obedience to Him, can be confident that He will guide us. 

Please note also the final phrase of this final chapter. The record reveals this simple truth: that the LORD was with them, “…throughout all their journeys.” Friend, can I encourage you this day that we serve an ever-present Savior, who is with us throughout all of our journeys! Sometimes it may seem that we are taking steps alone… but the Lord is with us, and He will never leave us or forsake us!