Exodus 40 and Book Conclusion

Now that the Israelites have donated their resources and helped manufacture the furnishings for the tabernacle, it's up to Moses alone to actually assemble the darn thing. I trust he didn't have the kind of trouble that Russell did in Up:

We learn in verses 34-38 (the last verses of the book) that "the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (verse 35)--so much so that not even Moses could enter when God's glory was present. Therefore, it makes sense that Moses, God's chosen servant, should be the one to actually construct God's dwelling place on Earth. Of course, God is omnipresent, but the Bible has several instances in which God's presence seems more, I don't know, concentrated? How God could be everywhere and yet also in a particular location is a conundrum that we'll never understand. 

This brings up another issue: From time to time, Christians "feel" God's presence in a more gloriously tangible manner--whether it be during a church retreat or deep mediation. Other times, we wonder if He's left us to take care of more important matters, or if He even exists at all. Is God really more present with us at certain times, or is that just a reflection of our own spiritual state? Or does God have a reason for being seemingly distant, even in times when our faith is fervent? Well, if I had the answers, I certainly wouldn't put them up on a blog to read for free. I'd write the answers in a book and make you pay for it. (Just kidding.)

Conclusion

Whereas Genesis comprised a bunch of different stories (though most of them were about one family), Exodus was pretty much a single narrative, transitioning to a list of laws and DIY instructions in the latter half. The first half provides enough thrills and chills to make even Hollywood sit up and take notice (with studios having the added benefit of not having to pay royalties or fees to option the Bible). Although the story of the exodus teaches several valuable lessons about God's grace and how He can use us as His instruments even in our weaknesses, the second half proffers lessons of its own. In our fallen nature, we will be tempted to stay from the path God has set before us, and we will sometimes give in to that temptation. But as long as we come back to Him and strive to develop a relationship with Him (even if it requires a good scolding, as the Israelites needed), He will continue to walk beside us and support us.