God, Moses, and the Tent of Meeting – May 11

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53], Exod. 33:1-23; 1 Thess. 2:1-12; Matt. 5:17-20

Moses and the Israelites are away from home for a long time. They are captives in Egypt and then they are set free from the grasp of Pharaoh. The trials are not yet complete. The wanderers are not lost in the big picture, for they are heading to the land sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Close-up, though, Moses is struggling. He goes to the tent of meeting to have a conference with God, “the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp”. Moses enters the tent, frustrated. God has said, “Bring up this people” and Moses is not sure who is going with him. God has said, “I know you by name and you have found favor in my sight.” Moses hopes for a bit more tangible support, for if they are favored by God, they really need God to be moving along with them in their journey – and to be apparent to them. Moses gets bold, “Show me your glory, I pray.” God answers in the affirmative, promising divine goodness to pass before Moses, with grace and mercy upon the people. God also says this, “There is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”

The Lord hears Moses – the frustration, the tension. God answers Moses’ prayer in their one-on-one tent meeting. God also promises protection – even from the divine brilliance that emanates from God.

What a powerful image to welcome us where we are today. God meets us where we are. God hears our hearts’ yearning. And when we approach the Lord with our humble and honest pleas, God answers in faithfulness and protection.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection 

If you were to have a tent meeting with God this week, what would you talk about?

What stories have you heard of people feeling God’s protection in a hard time? Where have you seen God protecting or shielding you? What might that divine care feel like?

Daily Challenge

Re-read Chapter 32 of Exodus. Hold in your heart that you are one of the people God is bringing along into the world. Then, get a piece of paper and write out what you would talk with God about in that tent of meeting. Pour out the joys, concerns, and truths of where you are right now. When you are finished, circle the action words. Sit in prayer for five minutes, listening and being. And give thanks for a one-on-one with God.