Tent meeting....
"I [God] have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling." [God to Nathan when David decides he should build the Lord a temple - 2 Sam. 7:6]
I think God likes living in a tent. What's not to like? Why would God want to separate himself from the elements? I'm certain He doesn't feel about them the way we do. He understands them and knows them completely and takes great joy in them. Or, at least, thinks...that's good. The heat, the cold, the wind, the rain - what are they to God? Not things to be protected from or insulated from by brick and glass and mortar. They're more like flavors in something He might savor.
So I imagine God liked living in a tent. He, at least, keeps David from building a home for Him. He wisely puts off buying a house as long as He can. I know we revel in the fact that Christ is God dwelling among us. But let's not forget He spent a whole lot of time here before Christ. He pitched His tent among us. Before Christ, He camped here.
I wonder if my essay on God's tent is because I'm looking for a way to keep from commenting on the rest of Michal's story? I think she's got a real beef with David. She seems like a real victim of circumstances...or where they acts of God.
Lord knows.
My post from last year on this date.
Dad, I love the way you write and think. I really like your comparison of God's enjoyment of the elements He created to someone savoring flavors.
ReplyDeleteI like the simplicity of worshiping outside, of not worrying about keeping a building up to date or well-furnished or attractive but having God control the thermostat. I also like the complexity of worshiping outside, of being surrounded by living glory.
And I like the fact that hearing my daughter's voice in her words is like hearing God speak. Wish you could borrow my ears...or rather ear...and hear what I hear when you speak.
ReplyDeleteMiss you. Looking forward to summer. Lord knows.
Dadeo