Exodus 40

“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34, NKJV)

Everything was complete. The furnishings were built. The veil with its intricately woven cherubim was made. Now the LORD commanded Moses to put everything in its place. The priests were also ready. Their garments were prepared. Now Aaron and his sons would wash, put on their priestly clothing, and be anointed with the holy fragrant oil. Then they would be set apart to minister to the LORD in their places. Moses arranged everything in its position, as the LORD instructed him. Then the LORD showed up, filling the tabernacle with His glorious presence.

The apostle Peter wrote in his first letter:

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4–5, NKJV)

The tabernacle, as a spiritual house, is a picture of the Church. We are prepared by God through the blood of Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Then the Spirit positions us where He wants us to be as living stones.

My father was a bricklayer and stone mason. When I was a teenager, I helped him build fireplaces. I laid out all the stones on the floor, so my dad could see them. Then he pointed to a certain stone, and I handed it to him. I was always amazed how he fitted it so perfectly with the other stones. This is what the Holy Spirit does when He gifts us and places us where He wants us to be in the church.

We are also a holy priesthood—set apart to minister to the LORD and to one another. When everything is in its place, then the LORD shows up, filling His spiritual house with His presence so that we may offer Him spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ. And this happens every time we meet!

Are you experiencing the anointing of the Holy Spirit? Do you know where He has placed you next to other living stones? Are you ministering to God in praise and prayer and serving others in love? Then God will surely fill the house with His glorious presence!