Day 31, or January 31. Obedience produces spectacular results. Our thoughts today are
rooted in Exodus chapter 40, verse 35. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting, because
the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. First the
big picture surrounding this verse. Finally the priests' clothes were made, and everything
was ready. Moses inspected every item before the tabernacle could be erected. How fulfilled
he must have felt, as he thought back to Egypt, and how far the children of Israel had come
since then. The special day had finally arrived for the
tabernacle to be built, and it was early spring in the Christian calendar, the first day of
the first month for the Jews, almost a year after the Passover was established. What a
sensational event, and what a time for celebration! The tabernacle was erected first, then covered
by the larger tent made of goat's hair. Then all the furniture was put in place, including
the Ark of the Covenant. The lamps were lit and fragrant incense burned, all in accordance
with God's instructions to Moses. As soon as the last pieces were put into place, a
cloud descended and the glory of the Lord filled the whole place. Moses had to delay
his entry, because the tabernacle was completely filled with the glory of the Lord.
Now our action step for today. God has delivered all that he promised, and then he fills the
tabernacle as confirmation that his people are on the right track now. I feel sure there
have been times in your life, too, when everything was just perfect, times when you enjoyed and
reveled in a high spiritual experience. Many trials and temptations were to follow for
Israel. The same is true for us, too. This is not meant to be a wet blanket to douse
your enjoyment. Be sure you enjoy it fully, because life is not one big spiritual high,
so don't expect it to be. Soak it up in good times and recall them when you need encouragement.
If you don't have low times, you won't enjoy the high times half as much.