Where Obedience Dwells Glory Descends: Tabernacle Within

In explicit detail –Exodus 40 shows us that sacred order, obedience, and preparation invite God’s Presence—and today, we are the tabernacle. The chapter isn’t just about assembling a tent; it’s a spiritual blueprint for how we prepare our lives to host Divine Presence. It encourages us today as His children to live life in obedience and accordance to His will – and when we do, His Presence and infinite glory are with us as we go through life -preparing for the eternity.

What Happens in Exodus 40?

• Moses follows God’s instructions exactly—seven times it says he did “just as the Lord commanded”.
• The Tabernacle is assembled piece by piece: the ark, altar, basin, lampstand, and curtains are all placed in divine order.
• The priests are washed and anointed, symbolizing purification and dedication.
• God’s glory fills the Tabernacle, and the cloud of His Presence begins to guide the Israelites.
• This marks the climax of Exodus: God not only delivers His people but chooses to dwell among them.

What It Means for Us Today

Here’s how Exodus 40 speaks to our lives now:

• We are the tabernacle (church within each of us -one body in Christ): Through Jesus-God’s Presence now dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). Just as the Tabernacle was prepared with care, we’re called to prepare our hearts with reverence and adoration for our LORD.
• Obedience invites Presence: Moses’ meticulous obedience led to God’s glory filling the space. Today, obedience isn’t legalism—it’s alignment with divine flow, making room for peace, clarity, and spiritual intimacy with our LORD.
• Sanctification matters: The priests washed before serving. This reminds us to cleanse our thoughts, motives, and routines—not out of shame, but to honor the sacredness of our calling.
• God desires to dwell with us: The Tabernacle was a mobile sanctuary. Likewise, God journeys with us through transitions, offering guidance like the cloud that led Israel.
• Completion brings glory: When the work was finished, God’s glory came. This affirms that when we complete what He’s asked—whether caregiving, ministry, or healing routines—He meets us with Presence and affirmation.

Sanctuary Mapping

This chapter affirms our instinct to create communion with the LORD – by having His Presence with us. It affirms our instinct to create peaceful, spiritually resonant spaces. Whether it’s room for a library and reading, a prayer nook, or a pantry of healing foods, we are assembling a modern tabernacle (one within all of us)—one that welcomes God’s Presence through obedience, preparation, and love.

2 Corinthians 6:16 …for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

This confirms the shift: the Tabernacle is no longer a tent in the wilderness—it’s us. Our bodies, our routines, our caregiving, our ministry. God walks with us, dwells in us, and delights in the sanctuary we prepare.

 “LORD- prepare my heart as Your dwelling place. Let obedience, peace, and sacred order invite Your Presence. May every detail of my life reflect Your glory.  In Jesus name, Amen.”