November 01, 2025

Longing for Beauty, Filled by God

Exodus 40:34-38

. . . The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

—  Exodus 40:34

I realize that you might be thinking, “Leviticus? Uh-oh.” In the book of Leviticus we find rules about skin infections, bodily fluids, religious festivals, and animal sacrifices. Is the book of Leviticus even relevant for us today?

To understand the purpose of Leviticus, we need to start with the scene in today’s reading. The tabernacle, a tent-like structure that served as a portable temple, was a beautifully designed space where God came to be present among his people. It became God’s dwelling place, where the beauty of God’s presence came to fill his people with joy and peace.

We are created with a longing for beauty deep in our souls. This longing stirs when we see a beautiful sunset, listen to uplifting music, make an exciting discovery, or taste food that delights our tastebuds. But our longing for beauty cannot be satisfied until we realize that beauty always points us to its source: God himself!

Out in the desert long ago, God’s glory must have left the people awestruck. The author of all that is good and right came to live among his people even in the wilderness.

Many years later the presence of God returned when Jesus, God’s Son, came and “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14, literal translation). Jesus came to save us from sin and fill us with new life so that we can have joy and peace with God forever. By faith in Christ, we can have a relationship with God that fills the deepest longings of our heart.

Glorious God, thank you for the beauty of your love, salvation, and new life in Christ! Amen.

About the author — Rob Toornstra

Rob Toornstra has served as the pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2005. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he serves with International Theological Education Ministries, teaching pastors around the globe how to be effective preachers. He and his wife, Amy, have three children, and they enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

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