RAW SpiritualitySample

Day 8: Waiting

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

As we conclude this study during which we travelled through ancient raw encounters between man and God, we come full circle to where the first formal meeting place with God was established among His people.

We read that the meeting place was set up outside the camp, wherever the tribes of Israel travelled. And anyone could go to the tent to inquire from and meet with God. The invite was almost as open as it is today. Almost. Because today we are not just welcomed at God’s tent, but His very throne room through the mediation of Christ. Yet, very much like the days of Exodus, we too wait on ‘the man of God’ to inquire for us, instead of approaching the throne of God our Father ourselves.

Whenever Moses went to meet with God, the people rose up and worshipped. God’s presence would hover in a pillar of cloud over Moses’ meeting with Him in the tent. Everyone could see His presence and worship God from afar. Worshipping from their own home, but not gathering in His presence like they were invited to. Also, it is very similar to us today.

But the last verse of today’s reading is the one that strikes me most:

“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” Exodus 33:11

Moses spent his due time in God’s presence. The people worshipped from afar. But Joshua stayed behind to spend his own time in God’s presence after everyone, including Moses, went to bed.

Serving behind the shadow of Moses, Joshua also stayed in the Shadow of the Almighty out of his own accord. The man who would eventually lead the conquest of the Promised Land first stayed behind in the presence of God and served at the direction of Moses. Waiting on God and waiting behind his mentor, crafted the character of the man who would later lead the nation.

Going the extra mile was Joshua’s norm before going the extra mile was a thing – and before it was even expected of him. That’s probably why he could stand next in the line of succession, because Joshua had already grown comfortable sticking close to the Savior.

Sticking close to the One who delivers us, even if you are the only one doing so, is at the heart of a worshiper. It is the raw passion that drives us to a greater purpose.

Are you as faithful as Noah? As hungry as Jacob? As willing as Joshua?

If you will submit yourself to God’s authority, seek His face, and wait on His presence, then He will elevate you with a mandate to bring change that will multiply from generation to generation.

If you will tap into the raw spiritual potential God already placed within you, He will refine you with a fire that sparks everlasting effects throughout your life.

Discover Deeper:

» What keeps you from meeting with God personally and meditating on His Word regularly?

» How can you set aside time more often and go the extra mile to meet with and wait on God?

» To where might God be leading you next in life? How can time in His presence and real encounters with Him prepare you for this?