Glory: Covers

Exodus 40:34-38: 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.

During the days of Ancient Israel, the Glory of God was a physical, visible, tangible thing. During this time, there was no ultimate sacrifice for sin. The High Priest would carry out sacrifices on behalf of the people and the people were required to make sacrifices for their families. Blood was shed, and shed frequently. From the time when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, blood had to cover sin. Adam and Eve had become aware of their nakedness and felt ashamed. God killed animals and gave Adam and Eve cover. In the same way, building altars and sacrificing animals was required to cover the sins of God’s people. Because the sacrifices made were not permanent, God could not dwell among the people. God cannot be where sin is (Hab 1:13a – Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing). So, God dwelt in the Holy of Holies where only the Hight Priest could go. They had to tie a rope around his ankle and hang bells on his garment in case he was struck dead by the Glory of God due to sin in his life. This was serious and scary.

The Glory of the LORD filled the temple (2 Chr 7:1 – As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple). The spirit of God rested upon certain people at different times. When Saul was anointed, the spirit of God was with Saul. When Saul turned his back on God, the spirit left Saul and rested on David (1 Sam 16:14a – Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul).

We as humanity are incredibly blessed and undeservedly so. When God desired to reconcile His children and sent a savior – a permanent and final sacrifice for sin – we got something amazing. Not only did Jesus defeat death and sin on the cross, but He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell INSIDE of us. The same spirit that filled the tabernacle, the same spirit that rested on David, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside those who will receive Him.

Whether you believe it or not does not change the fact that Christ died for YOU. He paid the tab, you are not required to leave any payment. The Glory of God through Jesus, His Son, covers you and your sin. EVERY sin- past, present AND future. Paid in full on the cross. This great news is what makes us want to live better lives. Living better lives does NOT earn us this good news.

Will you let the Glory of the LORD cover you and shine through you? The gift sits before you, but your eyes may be closed. Just open your eyes and see the gift. It’s there and it is all for you.