Read Exodus 40
Highlights:
It is the first day of the first month in the second year. The Tabernacle was reared up (40:17). The glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:35).
And thou shalt put therein the Ark of the Testimony, and cover the Ark with the vail (Ex. 40:3).
The contents of the Ark provided a record of Jehovah's faithfulness. The first tables of the Law were broken when Moses saw the golden calf. This illustrates how all mankind has broken God's Word. But the second two tablets of stone were written by the finger of God and foretold the time of which God said: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts (Jer. 31:33).
In addition to the Law, within this Ark was a golden pot that contained manna (Ex. 16:32-34; Heb. 9:4), the daily bread that was provided the Israelites during their 40-year wilderness journey. It was a complete diet. Nothing else was necessary. Jesus said He is the true manna, (John 6:31-35) and that we should live by every Word of God.
The only other article within the Ark was Aaron's rod that budded, a reminder of the absolute authority of God in directing the affairs of our lives. In the desert Moses and Aaron were confronted by their cousin Korah and a crowd that revolted against their authority in deciding daily issues (Num. 16-17). To settle the matter of authority, the heads of each of the tribes, including Aaron, laid their staffs together, symbols of their tribal authority. All the rods were lifeless, just dead pieces of wood. But the following morning Aaron's rod had miraculously budded. We need to recognize that our authority is not based on popular opinion, but on God's Word alone.
Since the authority of God is revealed in His Word, the Christian cannot neglect any portion of the Bible without suffering loss: All Scripture . . . is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16). Whatsoever things were written aforetime (meaning the Old Testament) were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4).
Once everything was complete, then a cloud (the Shekinah glory of God's visible presence) . . . filled the tabernacle . . . . when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward . . . But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not (Ex. 40:34-37).
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the precious Holy Spirit came to indwell all who turn from sin and acknowledge Christ as Saviour. Now we are God's dwelling place, His holy Temple, dedicated, consecrated, and sacred. We are in Him and in fellowship with one another, built together as a place where God lives through His Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22). Yes, your body is the Temple of the Holy (Spirit) Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19).
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16).
Thought for Today:
The Bible teaches us to look for the glorious appearing of . . . our (Lord and) Saviour Jesus Christ. What a blessed hope we have (Titus 2:13).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron as the high priest (Ex. 40:13). Christ being come an High Priest. . . . to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:7-24).
Word Studies:
40:3 cover the Ark, install the veil as a partition; 40:7 Laver, large basin or bowl used for washing the hands and feet; 40:8 hanging, curtains; 40:9 hallow, set apart, consecrate, dedicate; 40:10 sanctify, set apart for God; 40:11 his foot, its stand, base.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christians would be united as Christ and God are one (John 17:11,21).
Optional Reading: Mark 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 100:5