Archived Verse Of the Week
June 27th, 2022
Exodus
33:8-9
So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.
- BsL
The people waited patiently outside their tents for the moment when the tent would close around Moses. It was clear that something exceptional was happening inside the tabernacle. As Moses sat before God, the Hebrews offered their prayers from a distance. Moses spoke to God as though he were a friend. We get a glimpse of a level of closeness between God and Moses that is rarely seen.
This friendship took time to develop, much like in genuine partnerships. God is described as starting this relationship through the burning bush in Exodus 3 and 4. Moses explained why he couldn't lead the Hebrews out of captivity despite God's demonstration of his power and authority. However, as the story of God's people's departure develops, Moses grows closer to God. Eventually, we find him often alone in a tent, face to face with God.
God wants a connection with us, just like he did with Moses. God has been carefully looking for his human creation ever since he searched the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3 for Adam and Eve. He sent angels, prophets, and even his own son, Jesus Christ.
Sometimes, we may feel as if a vast distance separates us from God. There are moments, even days, when it seems as if we are standing outside our own tent, watching as others embrace spiritual intimacy with God. Yet the good news is that we don't need to find a special place to share our hearts or use particular words to communicate our thoughts, needs, and fears to God. Our sacred tent of meeting is as close as a whisper because the Holy Spirit lives in us. He invites you to come freely to him, sit in his presence, talk with him as you would with a friend, and continue that dialogue as you work, live, and walk through your day.
Where do you feel the closest to God? Is it in your bedroom or another particular location in your house? Make it a habit to look for God wherever it may be and emulate Moses' relationship. Knowing God, as the Holy Spirit, is within you, seek him diligently. We can express our thoughts, fears, and longings to walk with Him through joyful times and even when we feel like we're in the wilderness. Let's be thankful that God is as close as our heartbeat.
Prayer is not an artful monologue, as some might consider it. Still, it is love's tender dialogue between the soul and God.