Remain in the Lord's Presence

Note from today’s Bible reading: Exodus 39-40

When Moses “finished the work” of building the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33), he completed it “just as the Lord had commanded” (Exodus 40:32). God showed His approval as “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34).

This cloud was indicative of God’s presence. By building the tabernacle according to His instructions, they could enjoy that closeness with Him. However, if they wanted this to continue, they needed to pay attention to this. On their journeys, “whenever the cloud was taken up…the sons of Israel would set out; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up” (Exodus 40:36-37). This cloud would guide them on their journey.

Whatever they did was to be done to stay close to God. There is a parallel of this for us today. Just as they were not to leave (or be left by) God’s presence in the cloud, we must not go “too far and…not abide in the teachings of Christ,” otherwise we “do not have God” (2 John 9). This means if we do not continue in things the Lord has instructed us in His word, we lose our fellowship with Him.

So remain in the Lord’s presence. If we become separated from God, we are hopelessly lost. But if we continue in His teaching, we have fellowship with Him and hope of eternal life.