After all the parts and furnishings for the temple were completed, Moses inspected them and found that they were properly made (39:42-43). Then, according to the LORD’s instructions, he set up the tabernacle, the ark, the altar, and everything else. He anointed all the parts to dedicate them to the LORD’s service (1-11, 17-33). He also washed, dressed, and anointed Aaron and his sons to serve the LORD as priests (12-16).

What was the result of this long, expensive, and labor-intensive project? The LORD God kept his promise to live among his people to guide and bless them. He sent a sign of his presence, his glory in the form of a cloud, over the temple (34). It was a great day in fulfillment of the purpose for which the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt—and it came after a restoration from terrible sin!

Have you experienced the LORD’s glory coming to be with you? It happens to us individually when we confess our faith in Jesus and the Holy Spirit comes to us. God is also pleased to work powerfully among people who are fully dedicated to him. If we are devoted to building Christ’s church, as Israel was dedicated to build and consecrate the temple, there will be glorious results.
Application: Father, thank you for your glory dwelling among us in Christ!
One Word: Be dedicated to the Lord and his glory will appear