The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (NIV) Exodus 33:11
The setting: Moses has led the people of Israel out of enslavement in Egypt. God supernaturally made His presence known to the people in a number of ways. Perhaps the most dramatic encounter happened at the foot of Mt. Sinai. . . On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up (NIV) Exodus 19:16-20
Moses understood the importance of receiving God’s guidance in leading the people. And he met regularly with God. . . 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 his tent. The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (NIV) Exodus 33:7-11
How often do you meet with God? When was the last time that you had a heart to heart chat with God? Do you have a regular appointment with Him? or is it an occasional encounter? Are you receiving His guidance for living your life? or are you trying to do it on your own? Where is your “tent of meeting”? that special place where you and God communicate.
If your “tent” has been left without a visit for awhile, why not start a new habit today? Meet God and allow Him to “speak” to you as His friend!
Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger
