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The Tabernacle shadowed in the Jewish Tabelnacle"; as we look back, through the centuries, and see the Shekinah Glory "in the midst" of His ancient people, upon the sanctuary, in which He dwelt among them-as we think upon these things, and how they prefigured our blessed Lord, we can only praise Him for His grace, even as we look forward to that yet future day when "we shall see him as he is." God's Presence "In the Midst" of His People Moses was very discouraged when God spoke to him in those reassuring words, saying, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" (Exod. 33:14). Israel had broken God's holy law by worshipping the golden calf. Moses realized something of the awful respon- sibility of leading a stiff-necked and rebellious people; and in his intercession on their behalf he also implored Jehovah's Presence and power. God honored his trust, and spoke "unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend" (Exod. 33: 11). And in answer to Moses' prayer, the Lord reassured him, saying, "My presence shall go with thee; and I will give thee rest." Dear, troubled Christian, let God's answer to Moses' prayer encourage your heart; for He is "the same yester- day, and today, and forever." And His promise is sure: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18 :20). "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20, R. v.). "The Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle It had been a wonderful manifestation of the glory of
CHAPTER XIII THE SHEKINAH GLORY UPON THE FINISHED TABERNACLE "My presence shall go with thee, and I will gi-ve thee rest." Exodw 33:14; 40:33-38; Numbers 9:15-23; 10:33-36 Not only did the Shekinah Glory dwell between the cherubim upon the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies; but, in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, the Lord of glory dwelt "in the midst" of His people upon the finished tabernacle. With the tents of the families of Moses, Aaron, and the priests pitched on the east; with the three families of the Levites on the north, south, and west; and with four tribes on each side of the t abernacle, their tents pitched by families beyond those of the priests and Levites, the tabernacle was literally "in the midst" of the camp. And all Israel was conscious of God's Presence among then; throughout their wilderness wanderings. Not only so; but the Shekinah Glory was a Guide, ua sun and shield," a Searcher of rest for Israel, and a visible manifestation of the glory of God-from Egypt to Canaan. What a picture of our crucified and risen Lord! Before He ascended into heaven, He said to those who loved Him, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20, R. v.). He is our Guide throughout the wilderness pilgrimage of this godless world. He is verily "a sun and shield," our Resting Place. One day we shall behold and share His glory, the glory which He had with the Father "before the world was!' As today we consider "The Glories of Christ As Fore- [ 292]
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