The Cloud Covers the Tent
The sermon emphasizes the importance of following the Rule of the Cloud, which represents the presence and glory of God, in our lives and Church gatherings.
George Warnock emphasizes the importance of the Presence and Glory of God, using the Tabernacle in the Wilderness as an example. He highlights the Rule of the Cloud as the Rule of God's Glory, symbolizing the need for His guidance and direction in our lives. The Tabernacle, though portable, represents the journey of God's people 'from glory unto glory' towards their true rest in God. Warnock stresses that the presence and glory of God should be the central focus of our church gatherings, as without His presence, there is no purpose for our assembly.
Text
In this writing we are emphasizing the Presence of God and the Glory of God. There is much that we have left unsaid concerning the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, but we must hurry on. But first we must consider the Rule of the Cloud, which is the Rule of His Glory.
The Tabernacle was a portable structure. It does not have the meaning of a solid, permanent structure. It was but a Tent--easily taken down and reassembled. A permanent temple would come later when the kingdom was established. But here God would teach His people that they must move on "from glory unto glory" until they would come to their true rest in God.
The presence and glory of God was really the whole purpose and meaning of God's temples... and it must be so in our Church gatherings today. Without His presence there is no purpose for a temple, no purpose for us gathering together. Therefore we must learn to diligently follow the Rule of the Cloud. "As long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents... whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed." (See Num. 9:15-23.)
Sermon Outline
- The Rule of the Cloud
- The Tabernacle as a Portable Structure
- The Importance of the Presence of God
- The Purpose of God's Temples
- The Necessity of His Presence in Church Gatherings
Key Quotes
“As long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents... whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We must learn to diligently follow the Rule of the Cloud to experience the presence and glory of God in our lives.
- Without the presence of God, our Church gatherings lack purpose and meaning.
- We should remain in a state of rest and waiting for God's guidance, just like the Israelites, when the Cloud tarries upon us.