In what ways can we prepare ourselves to experience God's presence like Moses? A Glorious Moment “Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:35) The scene is breathtaking: God’s glory so tangible that even Moses, the friend of God (Exodus 33:11), must pause outside. That pause teaches us something vital—God welcomes us, yet He is utterly holy. How, then, can we prepare to experience His presence in our own lives? Seeing What Kept Moses Outside • Holiness of God—The cloud marks a boundary between human limitation and divine majesty (Isaiah 6:3). • Completion of obedience—Only when the tabernacle was built “just as the LORD commanded” (Exodus 40:16, 33) did the glory descend. • Reverent waiting—Moses waited until God invited him in (cf. Exodus 34:34). Each element carries forward into New-Covenant life. Steps Toward Preparedness 1. Pursue Clean Hands and a Pure Heart • Psalm 24:3-4 declares that only the clean may “stand in His holy place.” • Practical outworking: repent quickly, forgive eagerly, guard thought life. 2. Draw Near Through the Better Way • Hebrews 10:19-22—We enter by “the blood of Jesus… with a sincere heart.” • Trust Christ’s finished work; refuse self-reliance. 3. Obey What You Already Know • John 14:23—“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… We will come to him.” • Like Moses finishing every tabernacle detail, complete the tasks God has already assigned before asking for new revelations. 4. Cultivate Ongoing Friendship • Exodus 33:13—Moses asks, “Let me know Your ways.” • Set regular, unhurried time to seek His face, not merely His gifts. 5. Practice Humble Worship • Exodus 34:8—Moses “bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.” • Posture—literally or figuratively—matters; bowing reminds the soul who is King. 6. Welcome the Spirit’s Indwelling • 2 Corinthians 3:18 promises transformation “from glory to glory” by the Spirit. • Invite His filling daily; yield when He convicts. 7. Journey with God’s People • The tabernacle stood at Israel’s center; glory fell in community. • Prioritize corporate worship and mutual accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). What to Expect When We Prepare • Deeper awareness of His nearness—sometimes quiet assurance, sometimes overwhelming joy. • Progressive transformation—character increasingly reflecting Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Guidance for daily living—clarity similar to the pillar of cloud and fire that led Israel (Exodus 40:36-38). Living Ready for His Glory Preparation is not a one-time checklist but a lifestyle: repent, believe, obey, worship, and walk with others. As we do, the same God who filled the tabernacle delights to fill our hearts and gatherings, making His presence known in ways that change us forever. |
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