EXODUS 40 THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE TABERNACLE
The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, a year before the Tabernacle was set up. On the fourteenth day of the first month, the Passover had taken place and a great company of slaves had left Egypt in the night. Now, two weeks less than a year later, the Tabernacle was set up in the middle of the camp. Each piece had been made as instructed by God and each piece would fit to make the unique dwelling place of God, suitable for Him to dwell with His people. As these who erected the fence, the walls, the gate, the door and the veil put everything in its correct place, they would each be able to tell other of the particular glory of the pieces they saw. One of the many valuable things about fellowship is we are able to share thoughts of our Lord with others of God's people. "My, that's a wonderful thought." "I had never seen that before," and similar comments are made when we speak together with others of our Savior.
This great band of ex-slaves are now being unified around one common center - the Person of the Lord God of Israel. Moses was responsible on that first day of the year to erect the Tabernacle in an orderly fashion. The Lord told him the order of setting up the building. It was his responsibility to do it in that way. There was no trial and error method to this work. The Tabernacle itself was raised up first. Then the veil, ark and mercy seat were set in place. This was followed by the table and the bread was set on it. The lamp-stand was put in place and lit - the golden altar was set in the proper place and incense set on it to burn. As each piece was put in place, those who erected the Tabernacle under Moses' direction would be conscious of coming from within the Holiest and moving outward to the courtyard. The brazen altar had a burnt offering placed on it. The laver was set in place and the courtyard fence was set up.
When a new work begins, we do not want to carelessly experiment with things to see what satisfies or pleases the people. An orderly and carefully considered plan needs to be followed. What is done at first in a new assembly work is what the Lord's people will be doing fifty or a hundred years from now. The way people come to the Lord's Supper and the attitude towards it is established by those who were there when the work began. Our attitude towards the Bible, the way we greet each other, the singing of hymns, the way the emblems are approached and passed to each person is set when the work begins. Care needs to be taken right at first to be sure a sense of reverence, respect and holiness is maintained when we gather together.
Moses was given the responsibility to set up the Tabernacle. He would have delegated different jobs to people and expected them to do the work he gave them right. God allows us to participate in carrying out His will in holy things. We dare not sit idly by, because the task we have been given helps to maintain the whole work in an orderly fashion. One person who was to set a silver socket in a particular place could have stopped the whole work if he overslept or wanted to eat a leisurely meal before reporting to fill his designated task. There were many pieces to fit together and each one on the list of things to do was important. The small things we are asked to do may seem of little value unless we do what we do "as unto the Lord." The on-going service for the Lord in an assembly needs me ready and willing to do my part.
It appears the last thing to be done in the erection of the Tabernacle was to hang the multi-colored gate speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. They knew the work was done right and everything was in order when the cloud of the Lord's presence covered the Tabernacle. Day and night the evidence of the Lord in the midst of His people could be seen. The comforting shadow during the day and the light shining in the night would give assurance to the people of God the Lord was with them. There is a real comfort and strengthening of the saints of God when we know the Lord is in our midst. The hymns we sing seem to make our praise real when we are not just listening to the talents of others. The audible and silent prayers of the saints lead us to true worship that comes from our spirits. When the Word of God is read, the scriptures speak to us when they are suited to the time and place. What a great blessing it is to have come from slavery to freedom, from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God - and know the glory of the Lord is here!
A year was nearly passed and so much was changed No longer Egyptian slaves but a nation with a name. We once had nothing but now have much to give - Before we had a living death, now with God Himself we live. We've come from bondage to freedom!
Melons, leeks and garlic was our food - and our breath was bad Now each day we have food from heaven the same as angels had. That holy food is here each day, we just have to rise and claim it Its taste is like honey, the food is pure, all is in it to keep fit. Even the food speaks of the blessing of freedom!
We have made serious mistakes as our old life tried to claim us In our impatience we looked back to Egypt's way that killed us. Without faith, at first, we forgot the Egyptian world feared us But our God in mercy by His power redeemed and forgave us And we are no longer in bondage but freedom!
It is taking awhile but we are learning that freedom isn't license To live in freedom doesn't mean self-will and independence Involved in freedom, is God's will, linked with common sense And includes the part of life more valuable than dollars and cents. Free in Christ, not sin's bondage, but real freedom!
When we are free, we are able to fit well with others Freedom brings us into fellowship with many sisters and brothers With those of like faith we desire to obey our heavenly Father And there is a very special unity when in Christ's name we gather. No longer in bondage but in freedom!
"Father, the freedom of fellowship and unity with Thee and Thy people who appreciate who appreciate orderly freedom directed by Thy will is a great blessing. We are free to follow the directions Thou dost give that enables us to live quiet and peaceable lives. There are meaningful goals given and guidance as to how to reach them when we are free in Christ. I thank Thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."