Glory

“The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle… the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and there was a fire inside the cloud by night, visible to the entire house of Israel throughout all the stages of their journey.” (Exodus 40:34-38 CSB)

Imagine the sight that must have been – a bright, shining cloud in the daytime, and a cloud with fire in it at night. What reassurance that must have been to the Israelites! God was present with them in their midst. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would break camp and follow it and then pitch their tents wherever the cloud settled. They did this for 40 years in the desert.

We sometimes think that it would be so great to have the visible, physical, tangible presence of the Lord with us here. Indeed, it would be a great experience.

In reality, however, we actually have something better. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart and mind of each of us. Anyone who is a Christian has received the Holy Spirit of God. The “glory” of God now dwells in us, and He is truly “Emanuel,” God with us. We follow Him wherever He leads us, and He is with us wherever we are and wherever we go.

You may want to take a moment to thank God for putting His Spirit in you. As you walk through this day, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of His presence, and then follow as He leads.

Lord, We do truly thank You for putting Your Spirit in us, and we pray that as You speak and lead, that we may follow and carry out Your will this day. Amen.