“Tent Of Meeting”

Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:7-14

Those who love each other, whether family or friends, like to share with each other face to face.

After the people worshipped a golden calf instead of the Lord, Moses set up a tent outside the camp in which to meet God, while they had to watch from a distance in which to meet God, while they had to watch from a distance. As the pillar of cloud signifying God’s presence descended to the tent, Moses spoke on their behalf. The Lord promised that His Presence would go with them.

Because of Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection, we no longer someone like Moises to speak with God for us. Instead, just as Jesus offered His disciples, we can have friendship with God through Christ. We too can meet with Him, with the Lord speaking to us as one speaks to a friend.

We can speak to the Lord as a friend.

Our Daily Bread – July 14, 2017