Today’s Reading Exodus 39-40
Focal Scripture: Exodus 40:36 “The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle through all the stages of their journey.”
The last two chapters of Exodus are a fascinating read. In chapter 39 you get to see the detail in the dress of the priests. It is a beautiful picture of being separated for serving the Lord. It shows that the priestly duty is a task that is appointed by God and one that you must be prepared mentally, emotionally, and even physically to perform. Then in the last chapter of Exodus you see the instructions of putting everything together for the tent of meeting. Everything has a purpose and a place.
As the book comes to a close it is revealed that the cloud would hover over the tent. This meant that God was with them where they were and as long as that was happening they were to stay put. However, when the cloud was not on the tent it was time for them to pack up and move on to the next destination. In other words God’s presence matters. The Israelites were to focus on the presence of God not the place.
This is an important thought to remember. Our focus never should be on a place but on God. God is what we should desire above everything in our lives. Not feelings or following men. This is what the Israelites understood. They were not following Moses but God. God should have the affections of our heart.
This is why it is so important to follow God and not just a person. The Lord will direct the path that we should walk as believers. If our focus is on seeing his presence we will never go wrong. No matter where that takes us, even if it leads into difficult situations.
Take heart if you are leaning into God’s presence. It can be difficult when things around you seem to be falling apart. That can happen from personal difficulties, work difficulties or even when you are attacked from every possible angle. If you are following God’s leading you are not wrong.
Follow his path for your life not what others want you to do. The path of obedience can be a very lonely place.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Leviticus 1-4
