Exodus 40:13, 34-38

13.
"You shall put the holy garments on Aaron and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister as a priest to Me.
34.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
35.
Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36.
Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out;
37.
but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up.
38.
For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

Two concepts in this passage cause me to consider the wonder of the mercy of God. God displays His great mercy in the priesthood of Aaron, and in His continual presence with His “stiff-necked” people.
In verse 13, God repeats His command to Moses to establish Aaron as the first priest of Israel. Aaron had committed terrible sins in the eyes of God. He had worshiped another god, made an idol, and taken Yahweh’s name in vain. This was not an individual sin, but he led the entire nation of Israel into sin! On top of that, he lied about his involvement when questioned by Moses. And yet…this is miraculous…God, in the holiness of His character, covers over Aaron’s sin and uses him as His own minister to the Israelites.
Verses 34-38 also cause me to ponder the love, grace, and mercy of Yahweh. God chose the Israelites for Himself, delivered them from Egypt, and promised to give them a home. At this point in the story, they have already grumbled against Him and played the harlot with another god. God knows that they will repeat their offenses. How fallen we humans are! And yet…God, in His lovingkindness, continues to be with His people in a visible way! He stays with them, reassuring them of His presence and guiding them in their travels. How wonderful He is! And how terrible I am. God has graciously saved me and given me His life. He works in my life and makes Himself known to me. And yet, I am like the Israelites. I so easily forget, turn away, worry, and follow my own human plans. God is indeed merciful.