Come and Worship!
When I was the pastor at Ivey Memorial UMC, our son Marc was in Boy Scouts and was working on an Eagle project. He decided to create a worship area in the woods behind the church. Marc and the other boy scouts worked hard clearing the area, making benches to sit on and an altar area. The first time it was to be used was for an Easter sunrise service. Of all things to happen, it snowed all night before Easter. Marc was totally disappointed but after an hour of hard work with brooms and shovels, the service came off without a hitch. This outdoor worship area was used not only on Easter but many times during the year. I would often see individuals sitting alone during the day. It was a quiet spot to talk to God and a place to allow the spirit to guide.
In Exodus 25:8, God gave Moses instructions for building a place of worship. “Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Moses directed the building of a portable, tent-like structure. It was called the “tent of meeting.” Exodus 33:11 says there “the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
Moses put up a tent to commune with God. He probably wasn’t challenged by snow, but it was a place where Moses could talk with God. Joshua, Moses’ assistant, wouldn’t even leave the tent. He valued his time with God so much that he wanted to stay in God’s presence.
Today we no longer need a tent or a worship center in the woods to spend time with God. Jesus has brought the Father near to us. John 15:15 says, “I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Our God is waiting for us. Whether you talk with God in a quiet wooded worship center or a beautiful sanctuary, talk with God often. God is waiting for you!
Prayer – God, thank you for hearing our hearts. Whether it be in the woods or a massive building or by ourselves, point our minds back to You. Amen.
Exodus 33:11 – “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Nathan Mullet, Alfred Schrock & Daan Weijers, courtesy of Unsplash
