As we come to the last chapter (40) of the book of Exodus we witness Moses pitching the tent! It can be a repetitive chapter to read because God tells Moses how to set up the tabernacle and then we read how he does that very thing. But each section highlights two important qualities of the Christian life – the qualities of trust and obedience.
First notice that God tells Moses to set up the tabernacle from the inside out. Moses starts with the Holy of Holies and works his way out. The first piece of furniture that is put in place is the ark of the covenant with the atonement cover. So it is with you and me. Our relationship with God starts with the shed blood of Christ and the forgiveness we receive from him. If we are going to have a relationship with the living God it must be based on trust that Christ’s sacrifice paid for our sins and we are now free from sin and death.
Second, notice the refrain that is used throughout the text. We read that as Moses placed each article in the tent it was just “as the Lord commanded him.” Moses acted in complete obedience to God until, “he finished the work.” From start to finish Moses obeyed what the Lord had said.
We are told the result of all this in verse 34 – “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” This is always the result of trust and obedience – the glory of the Lord is displayed for all to see.
Trust and Obey. It really is a great description of the Christian life. To enable God to work in our lives, to enable God to work in our church we need to trust who God is and obey what God says. In no way does this limit God’s sovereignty, there are times of course throughout Scripture where God acts in spite of people’s obedience and faithfulness – but it does not discount the truth – that God’s people are called to trust who God is and obey what God says and when they do – great things happen for the Kingdom of God.
To trust and obey is the way to live a victorious Christian life. This is the way to possess all that is ours in Christ. This is the way God’s people are called to live.
Is it how you are living today? Are you trusting God with all your heart, soul and strength in the midst of life? Are you obeying God’s word in your relationships, work, studies, and leisure hours? I know it sounds simple, but truly “there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”
Trusting in God’s grace and obeying God’s word with you, Pastor Tom.