An Open Invitation

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting and everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp. Exodus 33:7 (New American Standard Bible)

The invitation found within this verse has profoundly stood out to me today. At other times I have missed it but today it is coming alive to me. This tent was not the Tabernacle in which only the priests were allowed to enter. It was not like Mount Sinai where Moses alone met with God. It was a tent for anyone to meet with God. ANYONE! And yet I read how the children of Israel “watched” as Moses went to the tent. They watched as the cloud of God’s presence descended on the tent. They watched as Moses came out of the tent and as Joshua stayed for an extended time with God. And the whole time I am asking myself why they chose to stay distant observers of such an opportunity?

Immediately I am struck by the comparison that can be made today in the life of many believers and of myself for too many years. I spent decades accustomed to observing other people’s walk of faith. Like the children of Israel, I watched them talk to God, listen to God, follow God, connect with God, and know God. I longed to have what they had but I remained a distant observer. Jesus’ words of “come unto Me” fell on deaf ears, blind eyes, trembling hands, and a cautious heart. While I saw what others had with Him and heard them tell me I could experience the same for myself, I doubted it could ever happen. I had no trouble connecting with those who connected with God but limited myself to that connection. I settled for far less than God was offering.

What changed? God used disappointment and pain to bring my gaze around to Himself. My searching was finally directed toward Him. He began to help me hear His voice with my own ears and see His face with my own eyes. Even though my steps are often slow and my insecurities are still apparent, He is passionate about wooing me to Himself. I am learning to ask Him the questions and to listen for His answers. I am experiencing the moments of crying on His shoulders and sensing Him drying my tears. I am learning how to allow Him to reveal truth from His Word to me in order to replace the lies of the enemy. I am learning what it means to have an authentic walk with my Creator and He is faithfully blessing each time I enter the tent of meeting!

Father, Your invitation has finally made its way to my heart. I revel in the relationship You are helping me to establish with Yourself. Amen.