Read: Exodus 33:7-11
Poor Moses. He wanted to be obedient to the Lord and to be faithful to the people who followed him. He just wanted some direction. God originally said He would go with Moses as he led his people…… until God refused.
THINGS WENT DOWNHILL
After the tablet incident, things changed. Moses was angry with the people because they celebrated with a self-made golden calf. He then blamed Aaron for letting this happen, but Aaron got defensive and said to Moses: Do not be angry my Lord, you know how prone these people are too evil (Exodus 32:22). Things were quickly going downhill for the Israelites.
I can’t help but smile when I read Aaron’s statement. Many times, I hear: “But teacher, you know how the kids in my class act!” (as if they are controlling that student’s behavior). Romans 3:10 proclaims: There is no one righteous, not even one.
WHO WAS HURT THIS MOST?
Yes, there is plenty of blame to go around, but who is the one who is hurt the most? God. He is hurt and angry. Boy, is He angry! He brings about the death of three thousand and He also strikes the people with a plague. Poor Moses, he now has more questions than answers!
GOD RESPONDS AT THE RIGHT TIME
But the exciting thing about God is: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8). No matter how terrible things get, He is ready to listen, act and point you in the right direction. God does not operate on our timetable, but He always responds at the right time. Moses discovers this truth.
THE PLACE TO MEET GOD
Moses is given the opportunity to set up his “tent of meeting.” It’s not THE Tent of Meeting, but it serves the same purpose. This is where God meets with His people. And so, Moses meets God at the tent and speaks with Him “face to face.” The pillar of cloud comes down and guards the entrance while the two of them meet. While this happens, the people stand and worship outside of their own tents. (I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear that conversation). Well, you can hear some of the questions and answers in next week’s ReCharge! Stay tuned!
WHERE CAN YOU MEET GOD?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful for you to have a tent of meeting where you can meet with God and talk to Him about the upcoming operation and how scared you are? How about a place to discuss your kids who don’t seem to have an interest in the things of God? Or, what about your questions on the direction you believe your life needs to go? Those conversations would be delightful.
THE SHELTER OF HIS SACRED TENT
Oh. Wait. As believers, we already have an eternal tent in which He expects us to communicate daily with Him. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5). So, don’t miss the chance to meet with God face to face. Listen to the Word of God. Don’t be surprised if the answers are not what you expected. Just remember, God is always faithful! Meet Him at the tent.