When the Tabernacle was first set up and everything in it had been put in place — according to all the Lord commanded Moses (Exodus 40:16 & 32) — we read. . .
“(34) Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (35) And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34-35 ESV)
When the Temple had been constructed under the direction of Solomon and the ark of the covenant had been put in place, we read. . .
“(10) And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, (11) so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.” (1 Kings 8:10-11 ESV) [also 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; 7:1-2]
Note the similarity on each occasion. Because the glory of the Lord fill the tabernacle, Moses was not able to enter. Then, because the glory of the Lord filled the Temple, the priests could not stand to minister. In both cases, so filled by the presence of God, there was no room for Moses in the Tabernacle or the priests in the Temple.
Now, consider our body as being the Temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19) How filled are we with the Spirit of God? Are we so filled that self has been duly crowded out?
Writing to Christians at Galatia, Paul noted the works of the flesh that are evident or obvious. (Galatians 5:19-21) He then went on to note the fruit of the Spirit as we read. . .
“(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (24) And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (25) If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25 ESV)
There is the picture of a Spirit filled life. The Lord’s desire is for our life to be His dwelling place. (i.e. John 14:23) Like Paul, it is to be no longer ourselves, but Christ living in us. (Galatians 2:20) May we be so Divinely filled as to crowd self (the flesh) out of the way and so remain in step with the Spirit!
Have a great day WITH OUR LIFE SURRENDERED TO BEING A SUITABLE DWELLING PLACE FOR THE DIVINE PRESENCE!
Carl
