GOD IN THE MIDST

"THEN THE CLOUD COVERED THE TENT OF MEETING, AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE TABERNACLE." EXODUS 40:34

God has just spend 15 chapters in Exodus asking the Israelites to raise a contribution for the tent of meeting, giving detailed instructions on how to build exactly, detail by detail, this portable structure, and then the precise carrying out of His design by skilled craftsmen that He has appointed to direct and oversee its completion. In the middle of this, there is the story of the people going their own way, building a golden calf to worship instead of the living, Holy God who parted the Red Sea and brought deliverance for them from the mighty hand of the Egyptians. 

God forgives them, God redeems them, and God renews His covenant with them. Why? Because He wants to be with them, in the midst: to be worshipped, to be reveranced as a Holy God, but also to forgive and to be with His people on a daily basis.

He has always wanted to be with us! First in the garden. Next, in the Old Testament, in the tent of meeting and eventually in His temple still to be built. And today, under the New Covenant, if you have accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour, then He abides in your heart through His Holy Spirit. How amazing! How wonderful!

God was in the midst of their camp night and day

Directing the nation of Israel's every step, every way

A cloud by day, at night a burning fire

To be amongst them was His holy desire

God alone would direct when to go and when to stay put

So His people would wait a day or two or even a year to set foot

A journey of faith to follow His lead

A washing of sins from the animals that would bleed

Offerings and sacrifices His people would bring to atone

To the Lord they were dedicated to worship Holy alone

Until one day in the future the Lamb of God who was slain

The ultimate sacrifice on the cross to be obtained

Holy Holy Holy is the Almighty God, Sovereign Lord!

Worship Him. Love Him. He is to be adored!

How about you? Where is your tent of meeting with God? Where do you daily worship Him, bow down before Him, love and adore Him? Where do you confess sin, fellowship with Him, receive instruction, and reverance Him as Lord of all? Maybe it is in your living room chair with a cup of coffee. Maybe it is on the floor of your walk-in closet. Maybe it is early in the morning before the sun rises or late at night. Wherever and whenever it is, it is one on one fellowship with the Creator of the Universe. Open up the pages of His living, active Word, and listen to Him speak to your heart. Then visit with Him in prayer. It is what He desires: to be with you and be intertwined in the midst of your day-to-day life. Bring it all to Him and lay it at His feet, because He is worthy.