Where you lead . . .

Exodus 40: 34 – 38

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, 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. For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

There is so much which could be said about this passage but my favorite part is that the Israelites did nothing unless the Lord went before them. This reminds me of Jesus in John 5: 19 where he was quoted as saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” Do you see the correlation between today’s verse and Jesus’ admission in John? No one is moving until God moves, then they follow His lead. One would speculate that this is the model our lives are to follow.

Another thing which screams out from this passage is that God rested on the tabernacle day and night. Wow! To get the revelation of that you have to acknowledge what the New Testament tabernacle is. In case you don’t know, it is you! There is nothing, other than your belief, which is preventing you from the glory of God resting on you day and night. Honestly, this is what the new dispensation is about. The glory of the Lord has come and it makes its abode with you.

This passage’s meaning, or inspiration, is pretty simple; follow God, let Him lead you, wait for Him to move before you pack up your tent. If you will make it a point to watch and wait for His spirit to lead you, you will abide in the glory of the Lord. How great is that?

Crimson Veil

Hebrews 10: 19 -20

Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.

In Old Testament times there was a tabernacle which housed the Ark of the Covenant. The ark was in a section of the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could enter this section of the tabernacle and then only once a year. The priest had to be sanctified and entered this holy place only by means of sacrificial blood. This Holy of Holies was the place where God’s presence met with humanity through the priest. This is the place referred to in today’s verse as “the holy place.”

There was a veil which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the tabernacle. When Jesus died on the cross “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15: 38). No longer did the veil stand between humanity and God. Jesus removed the veil with his sacrifice so that we are free to enter into the Holy of Holies and commune with our Father. 

Now, re-read today’s verse in light of these thoughts. You can see that Jesus shattered religion and replaced it with relationship. He bought our entrance into the presence of God for all time with his blood. And think about it . . . the blood of God was shed for us and sprinkled over us so that we may forever enter into God’s presence. The veil has been lifted. God was released from the box but I would like to suggest that there is a new veil in place. This one is for our good though, and rather than separating us from God, it draws us to him. 

The new veil is the blood of Jesus our Christ. When God looks at us he sees us covered head to toe with the saving blood of Jesus. He doesn’t see our sins and short-comings. He sees his beloved son intertwined with us. He sees the communion of our souls. We are glorious in God’s sight because we have put on Jesus like a robe. He is the crimson veil through which our Father sees us. Today’s scripture tells us that Jesus has ushered us into the presence of God, right through the veil through the sacrifice of his flesh. He bought us our freedom; we are free to roam the halls of the citadel of God. We can freely and boldly enter into the throne room.

So, stop telling God about all of your weaknesses and sins. He sees you glorified in Christ. If you have “blown it” today, put on Christ. As a matter of fact, isn’t that what we want to do each day, don Christ? You are now God’s beloved. He sees you pure and sanctified. Don’t stand out in the parking lot when Jesus has purchased your ticket to the main show. Enter into the throne room with thanksgiving for you have a crimson glow all about you.