Christ, the Tabernacle of the Glory of the Living God
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tent. — Exodus 40:34
The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14
Author
Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas
Summary: Christ is the living tabernacle in whom we behold the glory of God and find grace, rest, and relief from our burdens. Just as the cloud guided Israel and the tabernacle was the center of their worship, Christ gathers his people today, guides them, and makes himself present to fight their battles. In him are the treasures of the Father’s glory, salvation, and the hope of being glorified with him, thanks to his death and resurrection. Therefore, we must walk in Christ, obey the Word, worship him alone, and glorify him each day through a simple life of humility and service.
What great peace those who have eyes to see find in their souls when they see the glory of God around them—or rather, within them. Do you see it too? O Lord Jesus, what glory You have given us, so that through You our burdens may be eased, life may be more bearable, and Your cloud of grace may cover us as we awaken and as we walk, so that we may see Your presence among us!
Our Lord is the King of glory. We have seen it, and we see it from that tabernacle in the wilderness, where Almighty God caused His glory to shine and appeared to the entire congregation of Israel in a visible manifestation of His greatness and power. In the days of the Exodus, the cloud of glory guided and directed the people through the wilderness day and night, and the tabernacle was the center of the worship of God, the place for gathering, making sacrifices, and laying offerings at the Lord’s feet.
We are children of God, and in His plan of redemption for humanity, the fulfilled promise of His Son Christ reminds us of that tabernacle where the Lord sought His people, gave them instructions, and reminded them that without obedience it would not be possible to reach the Promised Land. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of the Father’s glory. He is our gathering place; we gather in His name, for Him, to worship Him and Him alone. While the world collapses because of disobedience, ignorance, and rejection of the Word of God, we Christians have hope for a better future, for His glory comes to us to remind us that He makes Himself present in the midst of His people to fight our battles.
God lives among His people through the manifestation of Jesus Christ in our lives. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:4). We will be glorified in Him and with Him because the relationship we began with Him one day is based on His death and resurrection. All the prophets and servants of God in ancient times witnessed the glory of God—His power, His radiance, and His presence. Today we walk in Christ, the living tabernacle who was given as a sacrifice for our sins, the motive, cause, and effect of worship, its fullness, in whom we are complete, in whom we have sufficient inspiration, and in whom we find rest from all our journeys. We have seen and daily see His glory. Our purpose in life is to give Him glory, to glorify Him through our daily actions. Psalm 62:7 says, “In God is my salvation and my glory.” Christ is the King of Glory; His crown is the life of humility and service lived by those who love Him, without adding hues, sequins, or cheap ornaments to Christian attire. In Him we have everything—including His glory!
May God bless you!