Let’s make a bigger conference with God

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

In the previous chapters of Exodus, the story was told of what happened when Moses had a conference with God but everyone else was excluded, and their fears and doubts took their hearts and worship in a different direction.

But I love that God’s intention was to bring all of his people into his presence. This was going to be a big conference, with a tent and everything! Not only that, but it was not going to be a faraway, occasional experience – it would even travel with them. People no longer had to feel far from God, and there would be a visible sign of his presence among them.

I also love that the recognisable glory and presence of God inspired people to give the best of themselves, their skills and their stuff. They gave so much, they had to be restrained! Just hearing the list of what got made felt overwhelming – can you imagine seeing it, walking through it, letting it point the way from where you are to God?

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God is faithful. His keeps his commitment to meet with and strengthen those who want to follow him. He also does not simply show up, but partners with people so that his presence is not just recognised thanks to a flame or cloud, but through the work of people who used their freedom to choose to give generously for his glory.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Check my heart attitude when I seek to meet with God. Although I can't ever get away from the presence of God, I would like to have the kind of meetings with God that Moses had, and be part of a movement of people towards God which can be as generous as these people. I need to desire more to be taught God's ways, not just seek God's blessing to do things my own way, and I need to be more open to giving generously.

Who am I going to share this with?

Our family finances have felt challenged in the last year, and this has put a restraint on what we feel able to give away. But it’s time to review what we want to give, of ourselves as well as stuff, and talk about our desires and vision together.