Tent Talk

By Craig Ashton Jr., November 22, 2019

In the Bible, the “tent of meeting” is described as a portable tabernacle—a sacred place or sanctuary that visualized God’s desire to dwell in our midst (Exodus 25:8, 22, 29:42). This is where Moses experienced intimate conversations with God, encounters that could be described as of the highest order (Deuteronomy 34:10).  

The tabernacle was called a “tent” because it was suited for traveling. Since the Israelites were on a journey, it was designed to be taken wherever they moved camp. Sometimes, they would lose their way in the desert, hungry and thirsty with overwhelmed souls (Psalms 107:5). Wandering off the path from the guiding light of God’s presence, they would find themselves in unknown territory, a land filled with uncertainty and deep longing. Even when they were scattered throughout the land of exile, God pursued them for a while, promising them He would be a “little sanctuary” wherever they went (Ezekiel 11:16).

I am utterly amazed by God’s desire to wander with us and the stunning manifestation of His dedication to creating a holy space to dwell in our midst for reconciliation and relationship. The intent of our great Creator is to meet with us, share life with us, and reveal Himself to us. Ultimately, God’s desire has always been to spread His presence like a tent over the world.

Where is your tent of meeting?

Moses begged God to meet him, and when He finally did, the encounter changed his life. Moses saw God with respect to His character and continued to meet with Him in the tent of meeting, speaking “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11, NRSV). Perhaps you feel the same longing for the divine and wish to explore it.

If you see yourself as a traveler in this great adventure called life, you and I likely have some things in common. God has clearly revealed Himself in some mysterious and fantastic ways. It can be difficult to perceive His hand, but if we maintain the desire to know Him, to walk with Him, and to be with Him, we will not overlook the times when He nudges us.

If you find yourself awed and mystified by these Godly revelations, you just may have what is required for such a meeting.

Craig Ashton Jr.