The Glory of the LORD

"Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." 

Exodus 40:34-35

As an apprentice tradesman I was taught concerning safety and confined spaces.  When I worked on ships at industrial facilities this was especially important with the high concentration of burning, welding and cutting.  All employees were warned about the dangers of these spaces collecting invisible gases which could render a worker unconscious and even prove deadly.  We were told if we saw a "man down" in a confined space not to attempt their rescue without first alerting emergency personnel who had the proper breathing equipment.  There have been cases where workers rushed in to help their co-workers only to be overcome by the fumes themselves.

In all the years I worked on ships there were few if any incidents.  However, there was one occasion which involved a confined space that resulted in severe injury.  I saw someone being rushed off the ship by paramedics who caused an explosion when he struck a cutting torch.  Unknown to him a flammable gas (believed to be oxygen) had leaked and settled in the space he was working in and created a combustible situation.  The mix of oxygen in the atmosphere only needs to be one percent higher than the standard 21% to be a potential fire hazard.  The accident was a sobering reminder of the dangers that exist even when strict safety protocols are followed.

After the tabernacle was constructed according to God's command, the priests and articles sanctified, the lamps lit, and all was in place the Spirit of God descended upon the tent in glory.  Moses could not remain in the confined space of the tabernacle because of the glory of the almighty God filled it.  There was no odour like the rotten egg smell of natural gas added for safety; there was no risk of explosion or being overcome by fumes:  it could only be described as divine glory which prevented Moses from entering.  There was such weight to God's power and majesty it was impossible for a mere man--physically fit and spiritually anointed as Moses was--to enter.  It was like when flames have taken hold of a building and the heat is so intense it is not possible to enter.  The God who is unapproachable in glory came and took up residence within the tabernacle in the midst of the camp of Israel.

I find it incredible beyond words our glorious God should take up residence in followers of Jesus Christ who trust Him.  The God who is glorious beyond measure comes not to crush us under His weight but wields a gentle influence, the Almighty who does not force.  Moses knew he could not enter the tabernacle because the glory of God was there, yet the believers whom Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians 6 had forgotten through faith in Christ they had been made members of His Body the Church.  It is sad the presence of God in them could be so overlooked Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ²⁰ For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

Instead of making us feel empowered God would condescend to redeem and reconcile sinners to Himself, it ought to fill us with humble, holy reverence.  Moses could not enter the tabernacle because of the glory of God, and He has filled us with His presence as the temple of the Holy Spirit.  As followers of Jesus, we need to remember who we are:  the KING OF KINGS has called us to salvation by grace through faith in Him.  We have been given an unthinkable relationship and connection with the glorious Creator of heaven and earth.  The aspect of personal purity especially concerning sex is of great importance, for a husband who loves and is faithful to his wife will refuse to lust over other women, much less sleep with them.  Blatant adultery is easier to spot than our negligence to glorify God with our bodies.  Our bodies are for the LORD, and the LORD for our bodies.  The One who sanctifies us with His presence we ought to glorify now and forever, and may He glory in us.