Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Exodus 40:34
At a specific moment in human history, the glory of God entered human dwelling. The tabernacle became the sacred resting place for the Ark of the Covenant and it was on the Ark that God’s glory rested. This served as a clear symbol of God’s presence among his people, his covenant faithfulness to them as they wandered in the wilderness. It was also a beacon for their own faithfulness, a reminder that the God who was with them was also watching them and calling them to obedience. Eventually the tabernacle was replaced with the temple and the presence of God remained among his people.
Fast forward 1000 years or so and the people of God are in disarray and under Roman domination. The Ark has been lost and the people are wondering where God is. Then, in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4), the glory of God entered human dwelling. John 1:14 tells us, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. He came to point people to his Father and to finally reconcile man to God. His time on earth was short and after about thirty years the glory of God in the Son made flesh ascended into Heaven.
Fast forward just a bit and the glory of God entered human dwelling. Acts 2 describes the Holy Spirit of God falling upon the disciples of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 Paul points us back to the first glory: Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? From Ark to Son of God to children of God, God has continued to place his glory among men. Today it is we, the people of God, who are filled with the glory of God. It is we who are to shine for one another the presence and promise of God as well as the warning that he is watching what we do. It is we who must go among the nations, shining God’s glory to those who have never heard his good news, calling them to repentance.
You are the dwelling place of God almighty. Rejoice that in his mercy he would enter a sinner such as you. Rejoice that he has given you work to do in his kingdom. And be faithful to make his glory known.
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