Be Filled with the Fullness of God!
Exodus 25:1-9,
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. For everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goat's hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.”
The Filling of the Tabernacle of the Lord with His Presence
Tabernacle is the Hebrew word, mishkan, Strongs #4908. According to one source, it “signifies 'a dwelling place' and is related to the verb meaning 'to dwell,' 'to settle down,' and 'to live among' (Ex. 29:45; Gen. 14:13). In Exodus, the tabernacle is a temporary place to live—a tent (Song 1:8). God’s tent, the tabernacle, functioned as an object lesson in God’s holiness and a symbol of His divine presence among His people (Ex. 33:7–11). It was a sign that God wanted to live among His people and establish an intimate relationship with them (Ex. 5:8, 9).” [1]
According to this commentary, “The ultimate outworking of that desire was that Jesus Christ, who was Himself God, became a man. As the Son of God, Jesus lived among us, walked with us, and revealed God the Father to us (John 1:14–18). This is why His name is Immanuel, meaning 'God with us'” (Matt. 1:23). [2]
John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
It is also a type and shadow of Jesus sending His Holy Spirit to tabernacle within each one of us as we receive Jesus as our Savior. In John 7:38-39 Jesus says, “'Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
When the tabernacle of the Lord was prepared and the work was finished, “the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Ex. 40:34). Sue Sievers once wrote that in the same way, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (Galatians 4:6). His desire is for the divine presence of God to fill us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know you are the temple of God?” [3]
Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” And He sent His Spirit to fill us with His glory. [4]
The veil was torn in the temple that separated us from the Holy of Holies where the presence of God dwells. Matt 27:51 says, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”
One article notes about the veil being torn:
“Hebrews 9:1-9[a] tells us that in the temple a veil separated the Holy of Holies—the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence—from the rest of the temple where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7) to enter into God's presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16)... Above all, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile." [5]
The King of Glory
Sue Sievers noted, the glory of the Lord filling the temple is the presence of Jesus Himself. Heb 1:3 says about Jesus, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” [6]
In Zechariah 2:10-11 the Lord speaks, “'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst.' says the Lord. 'Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become my people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.”
As God comes and dwells in our midst, He invites us to tabernacle with Him. David prays in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” And in Psalm 23:6 he proclaims that he will “dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
According to the Heavenly Pattern
As we behold the beauty of the Lord, we are transformed into His likeness, filled with the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” [7]
Sue Sievers noted, “He is coming back for a glorious church without spot and wrinkle, holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27). Holiness is not righteousness. Righteousness is imputed. It is given as a free gift.” Holiness is the act of God conforming us to the character of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:11-12 asks, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for the coming of the day of God...?" [8]
“I traded my sin for a life with You...” sings
Ephesians 4:24 says, “Put on the new man, which is in the likeness of God.” (after the heavenly pattern He showed us). The new man – in true righteousness and holiness. A tabernacle made after the heavenly one, not one made with human hands (Hebrews 9:11). [9]
One article notes about this heavenly pattern of the tabernacle as it relates to the new man:
Isaiah 56:7 says, “Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
The priests ministered before the Lord continually in all that they did, while serving the people and drawing them to God. And, Revelation 1:6 says that God has made us to be a kingdom of priests.
Serving God in Building His Kingdom
Even in creating a space for people to dwell with God, God used all His people who had willing hearts to build His tabernacle.
Exodus 35:20-21 says, “And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed form the presence of Moses. Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.”
Besides giving to the work of building the tabernacle, many gave of their talents and gifts to do the work. Exodus 36:2-3 says, “Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.”
God empowered those who willingly served in giving of themselves. God filled Bezalel and Aholiab with His Spirit, “in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.” (Ex. 31:3-5) God put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary. (Ex. 31:6, Ex. 36:1)
“Lord, I want to give you everything, this is my offering. All I have I bring to You” sings in the background.
People's hearts were so stirred to participate in creating a place for people to dwell with God that they had more than enough material. In Exodus 36:6-7 Moses commanded the people throughout the camp, “'Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.' And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done -indeed too much.”
This is also a type and a shadow of God using people to build His kingdom. Their offerings came from their heart and were sacrifices to God (not to man) in obedience to His request. The result of their labors and sacrifices were that they created a space for people to enter into the presence of God.
According to Teresa of Avila, a genuine friend, experiences an intense longing that the other party be immersed in God. She notes that this trait shows that the relationship is “informed by the divine.”[11] Whenever we share God's heart and purposes for another, it will be with a longing for them to enter more fully into the presence of God.
Paul is an example of someone who carried this deep longing for others to be immersed in God. He prays in Ephesians 3:16-19 that He would grant the church at Ephesus “to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
And He called the body of the Christ to the same. In Philippians 2:2-4 he says, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others.”
Throughout the Bible, God used willing servants to shape history and bring forth His kingdom to earth. As an example, He used Moses to intercede for Christ to come dwell with His people, forgiving our sin and taking us as His inheritance. Moses prayed in Exodus 34:9, “O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
Over and over, God used Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and other patriarchs to intercede in bringing the kingdom in a way that made room for others to enter the presence of God. Throughout the Psalms, David intercedes for the people of God. His prayers have had impact on every Christian's life (see Psalm 24 for example).
Overflowing with His Glory
Sue Sievers went on to write that God's glory is in us. We are the temple of the living God. He wants to fill us so His glory will cover the earth. As His bride is prepared, dressed in fine linen, bright and clean, the glory of the Lord will once again fill the place prepared for Him. [12]
Ephesians 5:26-27, 31-32 says, “that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless... 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
John says in Revelation 19:7-8, “Hallelujah! Adonai, God of heaven's armies, has begun His reign! Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself – fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear. ('Fine linen' means the righteous deeds of God's people.)”
As we are a bride prepared for Him, His desire is to fill us to overflowing with His glory in order that we might touch the lives of others.
John goes on to say in Revelation 19 verses 11-16, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
The heaven's being opened are frequently associated with God's glory being poured out.[b] Isaiah proclaims in 64:1-2, “Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountains may shake at your Presence."
And we are not just to stand in His glory, but bring it out to the world.
One article notes,
And ultimately, just as the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle in Exodus, the Holy Spirit not only comes to fill us with the divine presence of Jesus now, but it is the seal of promise of what is to come.
Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.”
And Revelation 21:2-3 says, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself with be with them and be their God.”
Sue Sievers wrote, He is coming back for a glorious church, a glorious bride. IT WILL BE FINISHED!... “Mortality will become immortality. We shall see Him face to face...” [14]
Ultimately, the veil of the flesh that was given to us after our fall (see Gen. 3:21) will be torn and we will be filled with all the fullness of His glory. What is sown in the flesh, weak and without splendor, will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:43).
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).
Paul wrote, “Who [Christ] will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:21).
Lord, I long to see Your glory come in full measure. Thank You for dwelling in our midst. Would you make us a bride prepared for You? And would you pour out Your glory in even greater measure upon us? That we may know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled up to all the fullness of God! (Eph. 3:19). That Your glory may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea!
"The whole earth is filled with Your glory Lord... Creation longs for what's in store" sings
Cover The Earth by Israel Houghton (Lakewood Church)
Let me be an instrument
To exalt and to extend
Jesus' name globally
As the waters cover the sea
Open the heavens O Lord
Pour out Your Spirit
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth with Your glory (back to verse)
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth
Let me speak what You say
Let the sound prepare the way
Kingdom come globally
As the waters cover the sea
Open the heavens O Lord
Pour out Your Spirit
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
All of the earth is Yours
All of the nations adore You
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth
Open up the heavenlies
Let a new sound be released
As the waters cover the sea
Cover the earth
1-2. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ex 40:1-2). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
3-4, 6-9, 12, 14. Sievers, Susan. Sh'khinah Glory. Printed 2004.
5. Gotquestions?org. What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? Located at: http://www.gotquestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html Last Accessed: 9/28/10
10, 13. Seek God Ministries. Be Filled with the Fullness of God. Located at: http://www.seekgod.org/message/fullnessofgod.html Last Accessed: 9/28/10
11. Dubay, Thomas, S.M. Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and The Gospel on Prayer. Ignatius Press. San Francisco, CA. 1989.
a. Hebrews 9:1-9 says,
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the presenttime, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.
b. Genesis 7:11-12 “In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights."
Psalm 78:23-25 says, "He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, Had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full."
When Jesus was baptized the heaven's opened and the Spirit came to rest on Him in the form of a dove. And when Stephen was being stoned in Acts 7:55, it says, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God...”
And Jesus said in John 1:50-51, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. For everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goat's hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.”
The Filling of the Tabernacle of the Lord with His Presence
Tabernacle is the Hebrew word, mishkan, Strongs #4908. According to one source, it “signifies 'a dwelling place' and is related to the verb meaning 'to dwell,' 'to settle down,' and 'to live among' (Ex. 29:45; Gen. 14:13). In Exodus, the tabernacle is a temporary place to live—a tent (Song 1:8). God’s tent, the tabernacle, functioned as an object lesson in God’s holiness and a symbol of His divine presence among His people (Ex. 33:7–11). It was a sign that God wanted to live among His people and establish an intimate relationship with them (Ex. 5:8, 9).” [1]
According to this commentary, “The ultimate outworking of that desire was that Jesus Christ, who was Himself God, became a man. As the Son of God, Jesus lived among us, walked with us, and revealed God the Father to us (John 1:14–18). This is why His name is Immanuel, meaning 'God with us'” (Matt. 1:23). [2]
John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
It is also a type and shadow of Jesus sending His Holy Spirit to tabernacle within each one of us as we receive Jesus as our Savior. In John 7:38-39 Jesus says, “'Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
When the tabernacle of the Lord was prepared and the work was finished, “the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Ex. 40:34). Sue Sievers once wrote that in the same way, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (Galatians 4:6). His desire is for the divine presence of God to fill us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know you are the temple of God?” [3]
Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” And He sent His Spirit to fill us with His glory. [4]
The veil was torn in the temple that separated us from the Holy of Holies where the presence of God dwells. Matt 27:51 says, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”
One article notes about the veil being torn:
“Hebrews 9:1-9[a] tells us that in the temple a veil separated the Holy of Holies—the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence—from the rest of the temple where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7) to enter into God's presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16)... Above all, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile." [5]
The King of Glory
Sue Sievers noted, the glory of the Lord filling the temple is the presence of Jesus Himself. Heb 1:3 says about Jesus, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” [6]
In Zechariah 2:10-11 the Lord speaks, “'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst.' says the Lord. 'Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become my people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.”
As God comes and dwells in our midst, He invites us to tabernacle with Him. David prays in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” And in Psalm 23:6 he proclaims that he will “dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
According to the Heavenly Pattern
As we behold the beauty of the Lord, we are transformed into His likeness, filled with the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” [7]
Sue Sievers noted, “He is coming back for a glorious church without spot and wrinkle, holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27). Holiness is not righteousness. Righteousness is imputed. It is given as a free gift.” Holiness is the act of God conforming us to the character of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:11-12 asks, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for the coming of the day of God...?" [8]
“I traded my sin for a life with You...” sings
Ephesians 4:24 says, “Put on the new man, which is in the likeness of God.” (after the heavenly pattern He showed us). The new man – in true righteousness and holiness. A tabernacle made after the heavenly one, not one made with human hands (Hebrews 9:11). [9]
One article notes about this heavenly pattern of the tabernacle as it relates to the new man:
It was the priests that served in the temple. They ministered before God and served the people. The priest wore the breastplate over his heart that carried the twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The priest bore “the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.” (Ex. 28:30) And it was the priest who offered the sacrifices and burnt incense continually on the altar before God.“The outer court contained the alter and the washbasin. It was the place of sacrifice. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. (Exodus 29:42) This is where the animals were offered up as sin offerings for the people. This was symbolic of the sacrifice that Jesus was to make on the cross once for all. So also our physical body is the place of sacrifice in our life. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1) Much of our obedience has to do with bringing our physical body under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Inside the outer court just before the entrance to the holy place was the washbasin where the priest would wash before entering. As the priest prepared themselves through sacrifice and washing to enter into the holy place so to do we to enter into God’s presence. Whenever you enter into God’s presence, the first thing that happens is that you are reminded of any sin that has not been dealt with in your life. As you repent and accept the sacrifice Jesus made for your sins, you are moved into a greater manifestation of His presence, you come into the holy place.
The holy place is symbolic of our heart or soul. The tabernacle was called the tent of meeting, meaning it was the place to meet with God. We meet with the Lord in our heart. It is the place of ministry unto the Lord and the place we commune with Him. You must enter through your heart into God’s presence. Since your heart is the place you worship your God it can also be the place where we have idols set up to false god’s. God wants us to love Him with all of our heart. That means we must remove anything from our heart that draws our attention away from loving Him fully. This is also where we must make sure that nothing is hindering our love to another person.
Inside the holy place is the table of the bread of the presence, the golden lamp stand, and the alter of incense. The bread represents the Word and we know that Jesus is the Word. Jesus is called the bread of life. Only He can give us the bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger.
The golden lamp stand has seven branches for seven oil lamps. The lamp stand was the only source of light in the holy place. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The seven lamps may represent seven manifestations and revelations of the Holy Spirit in a believer, love, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord; see Isaiah 11:2. The priests had instruments for trimming and refilling the lamps. They were to keep the lamp burning brightly continuously. In the same way, we must always check our hearts to see if there is any hindrance to the flow of God’s love in our heart. Anything that keeps the fire of God’s love from burning brightly in us hurts our relationship with God and people. Anything that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love also keeps us from being filled with all the fullness of God. The light also represents revelation. The greater we walk in obedience to God’s love the greater will be our revelation of Him. Allowing God’s love to burn brightly in us will affect the people around us by touching them with light, revelation and love.
Just before the entrance to the most holy place was the alter of incense. The offering of incense represents prayer. Prayer is a ministry that takes place in our heart when we respond to God’s heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The most effective prayers are God breathed and come from His desires to manifest His glory on the earth. Just as Jesus spoke God’s words on earth so must we. God has chosen to use us as partners to accomplish His will on earth. We are to pray the Father’s will, to be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [10]
Isaiah 56:7 says, “Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
The priests ministered before the Lord continually in all that they did, while serving the people and drawing them to God. And, Revelation 1:6 says that God has made us to be a kingdom of priests.
Serving God in Building His Kingdom
Even in creating a space for people to dwell with God, God used all His people who had willing hearts to build His tabernacle.
Exodus 35:20-21 says, “And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed form the presence of Moses. Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.”
Besides giving to the work of building the tabernacle, many gave of their talents and gifts to do the work. Exodus 36:2-3 says, “Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.”
God empowered those who willingly served in giving of themselves. God filled Bezalel and Aholiab with His Spirit, “in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.” (Ex. 31:3-5) God put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary. (Ex. 31:6, Ex. 36:1)
“Lord, I want to give you everything, this is my offering. All I have I bring to You” sings in the background.
People's hearts were so stirred to participate in creating a place for people to dwell with God that they had more than enough material. In Exodus 36:6-7 Moses commanded the people throughout the camp, “'Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.' And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done -indeed too much.”
This is also a type and a shadow of God using people to build His kingdom. Their offerings came from their heart and were sacrifices to God (not to man) in obedience to His request. The result of their labors and sacrifices were that they created a space for people to enter into the presence of God.
According to Teresa of Avila, a genuine friend, experiences an intense longing that the other party be immersed in God. She notes that this trait shows that the relationship is “informed by the divine.”[11] Whenever we share God's heart and purposes for another, it will be with a longing for them to enter more fully into the presence of God.
Paul is an example of someone who carried this deep longing for others to be immersed in God. He prays in Ephesians 3:16-19 that He would grant the church at Ephesus “to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
And He called the body of the Christ to the same. In Philippians 2:2-4 he says, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others.”
Throughout the Bible, God used willing servants to shape history and bring forth His kingdom to earth. As an example, He used Moses to intercede for Christ to come dwell with His people, forgiving our sin and taking us as His inheritance. Moses prayed in Exodus 34:9, “O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”
Over and over, God used Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and other patriarchs to intercede in bringing the kingdom in a way that made room for others to enter the presence of God. Throughout the Psalms, David intercedes for the people of God. His prayers have had impact on every Christian's life (see Psalm 24 for example).
Overflowing with His Glory
Sue Sievers went on to write that God's glory is in us. We are the temple of the living God. He wants to fill us so His glory will cover the earth. As His bride is prepared, dressed in fine linen, bright and clean, the glory of the Lord will once again fill the place prepared for Him. [12]
Ephesians 5:26-27, 31-32 says, “that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless... 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
John says in Revelation 19:7-8, “Hallelujah! Adonai, God of heaven's armies, has begun His reign! Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself – fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear. ('Fine linen' means the righteous deeds of God's people.)”
As we are a bride prepared for Him, His desire is to fill us to overflowing with His glory in order that we might touch the lives of others.
John goes on to say in Revelation 19 verses 11-16, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
The heaven's being opened are frequently associated with God's glory being poured out.[b] Isaiah proclaims in 64:1-2, “Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountains may shake at your Presence."
And we are not just to stand in His glory, but bring it out to the world.
One article notes,
“The most holy place, or holy of holies was where God dwelled in the tabernacle. It is the place of God’s presence in us, our spirit. In the most holy place was the Ark of the Covenant. Inside the Ark of the Covenant was the law that was given to Moses, Aaron’s rod that budded, and some manna. In the new covenant, God writes His laws on our heart, we receive instruction through the Holy Spirit. Live buds and almonds had sprung forth from Aaron’s rod, a dead stick. This represents the power of God as the source of all life, including the source of life in us. Your spirit is what gives life to your soul and body. It is the breath of God in you. The manna represents God’s supernatural provision of all that we need. The testimonies of what God has done for you are stored in your spirit. They are part of His covenant of provision in your life.The Glory to Come
On top of the Ark was the mercy seat, this is considered to be the place where God’s presence would rest. This is a very important key in being filled with all the fullness of God because mercy or compassion is God’s love. Mercy is also associated with God’s glory. When God shows His mercy His glory is revealed. As a temple of God you are to carry the glory of God. And there (at the tabernacle) I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory. (Exodus 29:43)
This is God’s desire for you, that His glory fills your spirit, soul and body to overflowing. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). God wants you to be a vessel of His glory shinning through you and touching other people. Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 - 2 1)” [13]
And ultimately, just as the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle in Exodus, the Holy Spirit not only comes to fill us with the divine presence of Jesus now, but it is the seal of promise of what is to come.
Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.”
And Revelation 21:2-3 says, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself with be with them and be their God.”
Sue Sievers wrote, He is coming back for a glorious church, a glorious bride. IT WILL BE FINISHED!... “Mortality will become immortality. We shall see Him face to face...” [14]
Ultimately, the veil of the flesh that was given to us after our fall (see Gen. 3:21) will be torn and we will be filled with all the fullness of His glory. What is sown in the flesh, weak and without splendor, will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:43).
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).
Paul wrote, “Who [Christ] will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:21).
Lord, I long to see Your glory come in full measure. Thank You for dwelling in our midst. Would you make us a bride prepared for You? And would you pour out Your glory in even greater measure upon us? That we may know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled up to all the fullness of God! (Eph. 3:19). That Your glory may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea!
"The whole earth is filled with Your glory Lord... Creation longs for what's in store" sings
Cover The Earth by Israel Houghton (Lakewood Church)
Let me be an instrument
To exalt and to extend
Jesus' name globally
As the waters cover the sea
Open the heavens O Lord
Pour out Your Spirit
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth with Your glory (back to verse)
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth
Let me speak what You say
Let the sound prepare the way
Kingdom come globally
As the waters cover the sea
Open the heavens O Lord
Pour out Your Spirit
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with Your glory
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
All of the earth is Yours
All of the nations adore You
Cover the earth with the sound of heaven
Cover the earth
Open up the heavenlies
Let a new sound be released
As the waters cover the sea
Cover the earth
1-2. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ex 40:1-2). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
3-4, 6-9, 12, 14. Sievers, Susan. Sh'khinah Glory. Printed 2004.
5. Gotquestions?org. What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? Located at: http://www.gotquestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html Last Accessed: 9/28/10
10, 13. Seek God Ministries. Be Filled with the Fullness of God. Located at: http://www.seekgod.org/message/fullnessofgod.html Last Accessed: 9/28/10
11. Dubay, Thomas, S.M. Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and The Gospel on Prayer. Ignatius Press. San Francisco, CA. 1989.
a. Hebrews 9:1-9 says,
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the presenttime, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.
b. Genesis 7:11-12 “In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights."
Psalm 78:23-25 says, "He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, Had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full."
When Jesus was baptized the heaven's opened and the Spirit came to rest on Him in the form of a dove. And when Stephen was being stoned in Acts 7:55, it says, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God...”
And Jesus said in John 1:50-51, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
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