THE WORK that EXCLUDES ALL OTHERS!
When
Moses had set up all the furnishings within the tabernacle and hung
the curtain at the court gate, Exodus 40:33-35 says, "So
Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the
congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation,
because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the
tabernacle." Moses, a mediator appointed by God for Himself
and the people, pictured Christ and the work of redemption that He
accomplished on the cross. There, as the real Lamb of God, He poured
out His life's blood on the heavenly mercy seat and cried out for all
to hear, "IT IS FINISHED" (John 19:30)!
When
the tabernacle was finished, "the glory of the LORD
filled the tabernacle." Moses and all the people were not
able to enter the tent because the glory of God filled it. This
teaches us an unchanging truth. The glory of Christ in all things,
especially in salvation, excludes everyone else! The scriptures
teach that it is not of our works "lest any man should
boast." It is "NOT of him that wills nor of him that
runs but of God that shows mercy." Nothing can be added
to that which Christ has finished. Christ's glory in salvation
leaves no room for human glory. Paul says in Romans 3:27 "Where
is boasting then? It is excluded"!
"That NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE. But of Him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it
is written, He that
glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1
Cor. 1:29-31). The expulsion of Moses shows that while the
things of the law pictured the saving work of Christ, no one is
saved by their obedience to the law. Salvation is a finished
work. It is finished in every regard toward God's requirements and
man's condition. Christ said in John 17, "I have glorified
Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou
gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou
Me...."
Now
the Church, every believer, is said to be a temple and tabernacle.
When Christ takes up His abode in His people, His glorious presence
excludes all that would rival His honor and glory. Everyone saved by
His grace is filled with this glorious knowledge and assurance, that,
"Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah
2:9)! This truth chases all of self, all of experience,
all of religious ceremony and ritual, all human confidence out of our
hearts and we are left with Christ alone to glory in. "But
let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and
knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise
lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in
these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah
9:24). The Finisher is the One to Whom the glory is due!
-Gospel
report by preacher Gary Shepard
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