Will You Follow Him? (DD - 2 July 25)

Wrapping up Exodus.

“The tabernacle was a visible representation of a spiritual fact for the then present; it was a parable of the inmost reality of communion between man and God; and it was therefore, a prophecy both of the full realization of His presence among men, in the temple of Christ’s body, and of the yet future communion of heaven, which is set before us by the ‘great voice… saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men’ (Rev 21:3).” - Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture

Today’s Reading: Exodus 40

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In the final chapter of Exodus, we see Moses finally assemble the tabernacle, which God then fills with His glory. There are two main points I’d like to address today as we wrap up this book. The first concerns Moses’ obedience; the second, God’s love for His people.

On Moses’ obedience, we see in the text eight separate instances where it mentions Moses building the tabernacle as God had commanded him (v. 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). On this point, Calvin writes:

In all the arrangements that are here described, it must be especially noted that Moses obeyed God in such a manner as not to vary in the most trifling point from the form prescribed to him. He therefore so frequently enforces the fact that he did as God had commanded him; and not without reason, for there is nothing to which men are more prone than to mix up their inventions with God’s commands, as if they would be wiser than He is. Let us learn from this passage to embrace with reverence whatever has proceeded from God, while we reject whatever men advance of themselves. (Harmony of the Law)

As Joel Beeke notes, we see that “God’s home is built on the Mediator’s obedience.” Just as God dwelt in the Old Testament tabernacle which Moses built at His command, thanks to the obedience of Christ, God’s spirit now dwells in us.

But even this is not final. There is a sense in which all of history moves toward that great day of full communion between God and man. We read of the new heaven and the new earth, where the dwelling place of God is with man,” and “He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Rev 21:3).

We are united to Christ now, and indwelt by His Holy Spirit now, but there will come a day when we will see His glory and be united to Him forever in ways we cannot presently imagine. With this to look forward to, may we never take the black pill of despair. Unthinkably glorious things lie ahead.

And finally, we read that “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle,” going with them “throughout all their journeys.” John Owen writes,

God, by this pledge of His presence, was the beginning of all their rest and motion, the guide and director of all their undertakings, so that they moved, acted, rested, proceeded, according to His will and counsel. He guided them by His eye, and led them by His counsel. When God gives a people so much direction, as that they see it is their duty to go on, and to trust Him in so doing, though they see not the end, nor know what their resting place will be, yet it is a pledge of God’s presence with them. (Sermons of John Owen, sermon 1)

God vows to lead His people to the land He had promised them, with cloud by day and fire by night. He does the same for us now by His Word that He has richly provided and preserved for us, which is “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16). He is pleased to lead, advise, and protect His people, ultimately guiding them through the door of salvation, that is Christ, to their heavenly home.

I’ll close with this powerful quote from Gervase Babington (huge potential for a baby name):

The cloud ascended when they should travel, and was unto them a direction when to move; by the day also it went before them, and a fire by night, so day and night the Lord directed them in their way to Canaan. Blessed were those men that were thus directed. And is God now changed? No, no. In His Word He is, and by His Word He offers to lead you to the true Canaan in heaven as comfortably, as plainly, and as powerfully, as He did His people by these outward means, unless you be willful and will not follow. (Comfortable Notes upon the Books of Exodus and Leviticus)

He loves you. He is pleased to lead you. He does not wish that any should perish. The question then becomes: will you follow?

May we all say “yes and amen,” and serve Him boldly.

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Prayer: “Lord, thank You for preserving for us Your Word, that we might read of all You have done for Your people, and see the spiritual bondage from which You have freed us. Thank You for leading us out of slavery to sin and death, and for making us Your people. Help us to grow in grace and the hope that we will soon be with You and enjoy full communion with You forever. Strengthen our faith in Christ, that we would put no hope in ourselves or any earthly thing. Thank You for Your love, kindness, grace, and mercy. Forgive us of our many sins! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

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Thanks for reading.

I’ve gotten quite a few new subscribers lately, so, as always, feel free to drop any prayer requests in the comments.

May God bless you and your families,

T