God's tick of approval

I finished Exodus a few days ago but haven't had the chance to blog my thoughts until now. I guess the main thing that stood out for me was that after many chapters of tabernacle requirements, description of materials, measurements, and instructions, and then after that, even more chapters about how the Israelites did as they were told - to the letter (there was so much repetition that I kept thinking I was reading the same chapter as the previous night) - it got to the point where right at the end of the book of Exodus, God gave the Israelites His tick of approval and subsequently came down behind a cloud to dwell in the tabernacle.

I felt really happy reading that, not just because it was a welcome break from the building instructions, but because it showed that God truly blessed the obedience of His people. That would have been a sight to see - after years and years of hard work and following detailed and precise instructions, the Israelites got to see something truly amazing! God Himself, coming down to enter His tabernacle... That's pretty cool.

Exodus 40:34-38. 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. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

It's a reminder to us all that no matter how tedious our obedience may appear to be, God knows exactly what He is doing and will bless us and show us amazing things if we just obey Him and do as He wills. It may seem like a trivial or insignificant thing - but it is important in His eyes and therefore we should do it cheerfully - even if you reckon your way is better.