Rhapsody of Realities 4 April
Scripture: For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys (Exodus 40:38).
Matthew 17 tells us that Peter, James and John were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. While they were there, Moses and Elijah appeared, and suddenly, the cloud of God covered them (Matthew 17:5). This same cloud was referenced in Exodus 13:21 and Exodus 16:10 (study both references).
We find a remarkable scenario in our theme verse: for forty years, the children of Israel saw the cloud of God’s glory upon the tabernacle by day, and as a pillar of fire by night. This is really significant because Isaiah 63:9 says, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”
The next verse tells us that the Angel of His presence is the Holy Spirit: “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them” (Isaiah 63:10). He was the One that was with them in that cloud of glory. Then the Bible says in under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” Remarkable!
Read yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities here
Now, 2 Chronicles 5:1-14 gives us an interesting account: Solomon had built the temple of God and the priests were to take the Ark of God from the old tabernacle and bring it into the new temple built by Solomon. When the Ark was brought in, this same cloud of glory filled the temple, so much so that the priests couldn’t stand to minister in the Holy Place. Hallelujah!
That glory is in you and overshadows you today, because you’re the bearer of the Ark. The Ark of God is in your heart today because His Word is written in your heart (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). The Word is where the glory is. As long as you give the Word of God its place in your life, you’ll always be covered in that cloud of glory, where you’re shielded from evil and all the depravities in the world. Praise God!
CONFESSION: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of glory, lives in me; not only am I fully covered in His glory, I carry that glory with me to impact my world. Even now, that glory beams from within my spirit, permeating my body, and affecting everything around me. The depravities and corruption in this present world have no effect on me, because I live in the glory of God. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Chronicles 5:11-14 –
11 And when the priests had come out of the Holy Place—for all the priests present had sanctified themselves, separating themselves from everything that defiles, without regard to their divisions;
12 And all the Levites who were singers—all of those of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, with their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, having cymbals, harps, and lyres—stood at the east end of the altar, and with them 120 priests blowing trumpets;
13 And when the trumpeters and singers were joined in unison, making one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and other instruments for song and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever, then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud,
14 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
Matthew 17:5 – 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [composed of light] overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am [and have always been] delighted. Listen to Him!
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:1-24 & Joshua 20-22
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 7:1-11 & Psalm 107
Thank you for studying today’s Rhapsody of Realities – The Cloud of Glory – written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
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Rhapsody of Realities 4 April 2022
