We need to press in!

     Exodus 33:7-11.

     We read that Moses set up the tent of meeting outside of the camp. Anyone who desired to seek the Lord could go and meet with Him there. Moses would go and meet with God often. The people would watch him leave, they would stand at the door of their tents, and watch him enter into the presence of God. They would then worship the Lord from the safety of their tents. They did not want to get too close. It was good enough for them to have Moses go. After all he was their leader. He could receive guidance from God, and share it with them!
     Too many are like this today as well. It is ok to go to church. We want our pastors to be close to God, so they can instruct us. It is ok to see others pursue God with a passion, while we content ourselves to sit back and worship from a distance.
     Things did not go well for Israel at this time. Moses was on the mountain with God for forty days and nights. People began to look for something to worship in his absence, and made a golden calf. They paid a great price for this sin. It was a reflection of their lack of devotion to God, an unwillingness to get into His presence and hear from Him.
     Moses would have to leave the presence of God, to come back and relate to the people what God had for them. On the other hand, this portion of scripture closes by mentioning Joshua, Moses' young assistant. He would remain in God's presence long after Moses had left. This is the man who years later led Israel into the promised land.
     We need to be like Moses, and Joshua. God wants to meet with us. We need to experience Him for ourselves, and not depend on the experiences of others. We need to draw near to Him for ourselves. Do not be a worshipper who only worships from a distance!