Exodus 40:38: “For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

December 14th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Moses received detailed information on the building of the tabernacle. He delivered it to the people, directed the work, and in Exodus 40 everything was finished. It was time for the priest to enter the tabernacle. But when they tried, they found they couldn’t enter it because a cloud of God’s overwhelming presence had filled the tabernacle. This cloud would become known as the Shekinah. No man can see God with human eyes and live, so His presence was in this cloud, and it gave the people something they could look at and follow.

This cloud or Shekinah glory of God is an interesting study in Scripture. It is mentioned almost 400 times. It was the Shekinah cloud and fire of God that led the children of Israel across the Red Sea, and for 40 years through the wilderness. It seems that at the center of this cloud was a continually burning fire. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians that “Christ in you, [is] the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). God wants to both fill and direct our lives.

Notice the Book of Exodus ends with these words, “throughout all their journeys.” This book closes with great hope because God was with them. Even though Israel was in the middle of a barren wilderness, were going to face fierce enemies in the Promised Land, and were weak and often murmuring and rebellious, God was going to be with them. This gave them great confidence. So also we should have great confidence because Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake us—His church. If we will wait on Him, relying on His guidance and waiting for His initiation, then we have every right to be filled with confidence and an expectation of coming good from His hand.

“LORD, we also desire for You to be with us ‘throughout all our journeys.’ Please fill us and direct us with Your presence this day.”