The Presence

Exodus 33:7 (NIV)

7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.

THE TENT IS GOD’S INITIATIVE

Exodus 25:1–9 (NKJV)

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

3 And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze;

4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair;

5 ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;

6 oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;

7 onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.

8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

9 According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.

The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness, according to the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.

It was essentially a large tent that served as a place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

The Tabernacle was divided into two main sections: the outer court and the inner sanctuary.

The outer court was where the bronze altar and the bronze basin were located.

The bronze altar was used for animal sacrifices, while the bronze basin was used for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the inner sanctuary.

The inner sanctuary, also known as the Holy Place, was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

The Ark of the Covenant was a gold-covered wooden chest that contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, as well as other important items such as Aaron's rod and a pot of manna.

The inner sanctuary also contained the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense.

The Table of Showbread was used to display 12 loaves of bread, which represented the 12 tribes of Israel.

The Lampstand, also known as the Menorah, was a seven-branched candlestick that provided light in the sanctuary.

The Altar of Incense was used for burning fragrant incense, which symbolized the prayers of the people going up to God.

Only the High Priest was allowed to enter the inner sanctuary, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites, and it served as a reminder of their covenant relationship with Him.

The Tabernacle was later replaced by the Temple in Jerusalem, which had a similar design and purpose.

In this chapter, we see that Moses had a deep desire to be in the presence of God.

He had already seen God's power and experienced His deliverance from slavery in Egypt, but he longed for more.

He wanted to know God intimately, to see His face and to be assured of His favor.

And so, Moses went to the Tent of Meeting, a special place where God would speak to him, and he would meet with God face to face.

This was a place where Moses could experience the presence of God in a very real and tangible way.

But what about us?

Do we have that same desire to be in the presence of God?

Do we long for His company and His guidance in our lives?

In today's world, we can be so distracted by so many things - work, social media, entertainment - that we can forget about the most important thing: our relationship with God.

We can forget that His presence is what we need above all else.

So how can we experience the presence of God in our lives?

1) Make time for God.

Just like Moses went to the Tent of Meeting, we need to set aside time each day to spend with God.

This can be through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, or just sitting quietly and listening to Him.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Worshiping God is the highest privilege and the most tremendous responsibility of the Christian life because God is the highest being in the universe and the one to whom we must one day give account. 

everything that we are and do flows out of our relationship with the Lord.

2) Be intentional about seeking His presence.

Just like Moses longed to see God's face, we need to have that same desire in our hearts. We need to seek Him with all our heart, soul, and mind.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

the people at the base of the mountain were afraid to hear God's voice and we're satisfied to hear Moses speak to them, but Moses not only heard God's voice but saw God's glory! how tragic it is when God's people settle for the lowest level when there are new heights of blessing for those who seek God with their whole hearts.

3) We need to obey Him.

As we read in Exodus 33, God's presence goes with those who obey Him.

We need to be willing to follow God's commands, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.

In conclusion,

the presence of God is not something that we should take for granted.

It is something that we need to actively seek in our lives.

So let us make time for God, seek His presence with all our hearts, and obey Him in all that we do. For when we do, we will experience the true joy and peace that comes from being in the presence of the Almighty God.

May God bless you all. Amen.

The Bible shows us how God chose a place to be worshiped among the people of Israel. We know, however, that the tabernacle was only a shadow of the things He would like to manifest. Let's see how he revealed himself to the people of Israel, continues to reveal himself today and will reveal himself in eternity:

I. DAY 1 – THE TENT IS GOD’S INITIATIVE ( Exodus 25:1-2 ):

Exodus 25:1–2 (NIV)

1 The Lord said to Moses,

2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.

It is God's desire that we may have fellowship with him, for he wants to dwell among his people and make himself known.

This meeting was planned by Him for us to enjoy His presence through prayer.

II. DAY 2 – THE INITIATIVE IS HIS, BUT THE BUILDING IS OURS (Exodus 25:1-2 / Exodus 33:7 ):

Exodus 33:7 NIV

7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.

Exodus 25:1–2 NIV

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.

Even though they were a divine initiative, the tent of meeting and the tabernacle needed to be built by men.

Choosing the place and time for this meeting is our responsibility.

This involves consecration: just as material goods were offered to make the tent, we need to give ourselves completely.

Share: If the tent is God's initiative but the construction is ours, what is your role and what is God's role in this relationship?

What do you need to do and what does He need to do?

III. DAY 3 – THE PLACE OF PRESENCE IS INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND COLLECTIVE (Exodus 33:8-10 :

Exodus 33:8–10 NIV

8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent.

The presence of God is something so tremendous that it cannot be kept just for us. For this reason, when Moses entered the tent, each person was ready at the door of his house, transforming this meeting into a moment for the whole family and the whole community.

IV. DAY 4 – HIS PRESENCE IS CLOUD AND FIRE (Exodus 13:21-22

Exodus 13:21–22 NIV

21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

God's desire to dwell with his people was manifested also with visible miracles of a cloud that showed the way and a pillar of fire that warmed them at night or protected them from enemy attacks. By relating to us, the Lord wants to guide and protect us, guiding us in his path and delivering us from enemies. Share: what can cloud and fire mean in our lives today?

V. DAY 5 – HIS INCARNATE PRESENCE IS ETERNAL SALVATION (John 1:14 :

John 1:14 NIV

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John literally states that the Word of God “tabernacled,” that is, dwelt among us. The presence of Jesus among humanity was the same as that of the tent: the presence of God among his people. He keeps craving it! May we invite you to dwell in our hearts!

VI.DAY 6 – HIS PURPOSE TO DWELL AMONG US, REVEALING HIS PRESENCE, IS ETERNAL (Rev. 7:14-15 )

Revelation 7:14–15 NIV

14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

In the vision of the saved before the throne of God, John teaches us that the ultimate purpose of all things is that we may stand before the throne as worshipers and thus enjoy the presence of our Savior. We can anticipate that presence through prayer, worshiping Him, reaching for His touch and being satiated by Him! Share: how have you noticed the touch of Jesus in your lives?

VII. DAY 7 – THIS INTENTIONAL PRESENCE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW (Rev. 21:3-5):

Seeking the Lord develops an intimacy that heals the wounds of the soul. Only He can make all things new and this is His wish for our lives! Share testimonies of how God's answers in your lives have affected others around you.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between us and God is a desire that burns in the heart of the Father! We need to respond to this desire with hearts filled with the desire to be with Him. This communion will affect our families in such a way that we will all be reached by the love of Jesus! If He dwells in our home, His powerful touch and the water of life will be present in our living!