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The Lord Is with His People
7Moses used to set up a tent far from camp. He called it the “meeting tent,” and whoever needed some message from the Lord would go there. 8Each time Moses went out to this tent, everyone would stand at the entrance to their own tents and watch him enter. 9-11Then they would bow down because a thick cloud would come down in front of the tent, and the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, just like a friend. Afterwards, Moses would return to camp, but his young assistant Joshua would stay at the tent.
Reflect
Many people think that faith would be much easier if the presence of God were obvious. Indeed when the pillar of cloud descended over the Tent of Meeting everyone knew that God was present. The response was as expected. The people stood and worshipped.
Such a display is not common now. The presence of God can seem more difficult to detect. And yet the presence of God is with us all the time. Through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God is in the life of every person claiming Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
The apostle Paul clearly identified this reality in his writings. He reminded the church in Corinth that we are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). This is repeated to the church in Ephesus where the apostle Paul wrote that we are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).
The Tent of Meeting was also situated outside the community camp. It was not positioned in their midst. This served as a reminder of the disobedience of the people in forming and worshipping the golden calf. Yet God had not abandoned the people. Access to God could still be gained through Moses.
Now we serve as the evidence of God’s presence. With God’s Spirit dwelling in us, it is as though we are the Tent of Meeting. We bring the presence of God into every conversation and situation.
It is good to be reminded of this sacred responsibility and opportunity. Each day has the potential of applying the presence and grace of God to the various circumstances that we experience.
Respond
Lord, help this day to be filled with divine appointments as we recognize your presence.
Willard Metzger
Willard Metzger has 18 years experience as a pastor with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) and served as National Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada. He began his current role as Executive Director with Mennonite Church Canada in 2010. Willard has earned a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry degree. He loves travel and the outdoors. Publications: 2010, Stiller, Karen & Metzger, Willard. Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian churches who have embraced missional life. Word Alive Press