Old and New: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryNäide

The Lord God himself dwelt in his temple then

It’s hard to believe and not see. God knew that. As a gift to the nation of believers that he was raising up, his beloved Israel, God chose to make his presence visible and local. He appeared often as fire and smoke in various configurations--in a burning bush, in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, as a smoking firepot, and as a bright burning light that moved into the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle (and later the temple) and stayed there.

He let his Israel know that the One who filled the universe had chosen to localize his presence right among them! “For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory” (Exodus 29:42,43).

What a comfort it was for Israel to have the Lord’s presence right among them. What a comfort to see that blazing fire and know that the divine power was ready to go, that the divine eyes were on watch. What encouragement they could derive from the glory-cloud as they navigated all the hardships of their national existence. He’s here! Right here!