Observations on the Ways of God

Exodus 39-40 are the concluding chapters of the Exodus story. These chapters detail the completion of Moses's constructing, furnishing, and erecting the wilderness Tabernacle of God. At first glance, it seems simply to recount the retelling of the tedious steps taken by the artisans, Bezalel, Oholiab, and their skilled associates about whom Scripture describes as those "He (God) filled...with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship" (Exodus 35:31).

Upon closer examination, however, I notice in these two concluding chapters a recurring theme, even a refrain. Seventeen times in these two chapters we read that the workmen did "just as The Lord had commanded Moses." God had said to Moses on the mountain, "This is what I want." Moses had communicated the instructions to the leadership of his craftsmen and they replicated precisely what God dictated. Finally, in Exodus 40:33, Scripture tells us "Thus, Moses finished the work." He and his people had fully obeyed God. With great consistency, they had obeyed God's word. 

I see an interesting aftermath. First, we read that when the obedience was complete, God's glory appeared. Exodus 40:34 tells us, "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." It is not that God had not been present, but now God's manifest presence was demonstrated. God was there and everybody knew it. Second, when the glory appeared, God's leading was clear. God's glory in and over the tabernacle, whether a cloud by day or the fire by night, dictated if it was time to stay put or move forward. The concluding verse of Exodus tells us, "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" (Exodus40:38).

So, what can we learn from these concluding chapters that applies to God's people today? Here are three lessons.

1. It is God who raises up skilled workers to lead His people and build His work. In fact, it is God Himself who provides wisdom and skill in all ways to accomplish His will and work.
2. God expects nothing less than complete obedience to what He has communicated. Churches and members too often miss God because they do not do as God has commanded. Moreover, incomplete obedience is simple disobedience. If we persist in disobedience, we ought not expect God's blessing. No wonder churches and Christians find themselves in so much unnecessary turmoil.
3. When our obedience is complete and God manifests His presence, we can confidently expect God to lead. Of course, this brings us to the next insight with respect to God's ways--will we follow when God leads? The house of Israel learned a painful lesson when they balked at God's leading. That's a story for another time.