Worship, Near or Far

By: Eric Hutchinson, Fellowship Bible Church NWA Celebrate Recovery Ministry TEAM Training Coach 10/3/18
“Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. 9 As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. 11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Exodus 33:8-11


Wow, what a scene the above scripture paints.  Moses would meet God in a tent.  As he did the people of Israel would stand at the entrance to their own tent and watch.  When God descended down to the tent where Moses was waiting, the people would bow and worship God from afar.  Two things to note when reading this scripture:

  1. Moses met God for the people.  He was their inter-mediator and they could only watch from afar.  We have the unequivocal privilege of meeting with God in person.  We don’t have to watch from afar.  Through Jesus, we can step into His presence at any time.  Wow! What an incredible honor we have to walk into the presence of the almighty God.  We don’t have to wait in line and we don’t have to travel anywhere to get to him.  Here is a question.  How often do you take advantage of that privilege?  Do you think of it as a privilege or has it become commonplace?
  2. I find it interesting and convicting that the people of Israel stood at the entrance of their own tents watching this event.  When seeing the cloud of God descend on Moses’ tent they bowed and worshiped God.  They revered God.  They respected God.  They worshiped God.  When was the last time you bowed before your maker?  Do we barge into his presence and demand His attention?  The next time you pray, try kneeling or lying prostrate on the ground before your Holy Savior.  He deserves it and it helps to give us perspective.

He is Holy, Hallowed, Divine, Consecrated…He is GOD!  We don’t have to worship from afar.  What an incredible privilege.  Praise be to Jesus Christ our savior, redeemer, and friend!  Jesus, we bow before your greatness and we worship you today.

I hope this email finds you in a good place, my friend.  Take a moment and enter into His presence and worship him near not far.

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