Message Notes

YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE 26 October 2024

Text: Exodus 40: 34-38

Message: “The glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle”

INTRODUCTION

1. God had commanded Israel to build Him a tabernacle Exodus 25:8

2. Specific instructions on the building of the tabernacle Exodus 25-31

3. The people built the tabernacle as He had commanded Exodus 35-39

4. Moses set up the tabernacle as He had commanded Exodus 40:1-33

THE CLOUD COVERED THE TABERNACLE

34 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. 36 Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Exodus 40:34-38

1. The cloud of the LORD on the day of dedication of the tabernacle

a. The cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting Exodus 40:34

b. The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle Exodus 40:34

c. Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting Exodus 40:35

2. The cloud of the LORD remained above the tabernacle

a. Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys Exodus 40:36

b. If the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up Exodus 40:37

c. The cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys Exodus 40:38

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CLOUD THAT COVERED THE TABERNACLE

1. The cloud of the LORD had come near to the children of Israel

a. The cloud of the LORD – usually far away from the children of Israel

i. A pillar of cloud by day cf. Exodus 13:21-22

ii. A cloud upon Mount Sinai cf. Exodus 24:16-17

iii. The children of Israel could only observe the cloud from a distance

b. But now it has come near to the children of Israel

i. It covered the tabernacle

ii. It would be close to the children of Israel

2. The cloud of the LORD exuded power from God

a. The cloud of the LORD resulted in the glory of God filling the tabernacle

b. The filling of God’s glory in the tabernacle was so great that even Moses could not enter the tabernacle

c. It was a demonstration and reflection of God’s great power!

3. The cloud of the LORD represented God’s presence

a. To tell the children of Israel that God would be personally with them

b. To lead the children of Israel throughout all their journeys in the wilderness

i. When it was taken up from the tabernacle, they were to go onward

ii. When it remained above the tabernacle, they were to stay

LESSONS FOR US TO LEARN

1. The presence of God

a. He is close to us

b. He is powerful

c. He personally leads us

2. The challenge for us

a. Can we see God’s presence in our life?

i. Not physically

ii. But with eyes of faith

b. Can we sense His presence in our life?

i. His closeness to us

ii. His leading for us