Moses had completed building the Tabernacle, and setting it in order as God had commanded him. Exodus 40:34 says, “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” This signified the presence of God in the midst of His people. Three points that we can learn from Exodus 40:34-38 about the glory of God are as follows:

1. The glory of God is approachable (Exod 40:34)

The word “glory” means radiance, splendour, honour, divinity, power, mercy and majesty. The people of God had witnessed God’s power when God delivered them out of Egypt. They had also experienced God’s mercy when God forgave them of the many sins that they had committed against Him. Then, God condescended to reveal Himself to His people. His glory filled the Tabernacle, and the people of God could then behold the glory of God. This visible manifestation is described as the “shekinah” glory of God.

Similarly, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can behold the same glory of God in worship because the glory of God is manifested to us through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Therefore, when we worship God and approach His glory, we must approach with reverence.

2. The glory of God is not approachable (Exod 40:35)

Exodus 40:35 says that Moses “was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation.” Man cannot approach God any way he likes. He must approach God according to God’s way, i.e. through the blood of Jesus that was shed for the atonement of man’s sins. In the Old Testament, God had prescribed for His people the sacrificial system as revealed in the Book of Leviticus. For us, it is through the Lord Jesus Christ who came and died on the cross for the remission of our sins. Hence, we can only approach God and see His glory through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

3. The glory of God remains (Exod 40:36-38)

The glory of God is revealed to us through His Word. His Word will always direct and guide us. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, Jesus (God’s glory) will always abide in us (Col 1:27). We must therefore seek to always reflect God’s glory by following His ways, guidance and directions for our life.