March 6

The Voice of the LORD

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 35:19-28| Numbers 6:1-7:89 | Mark 12:38-13:13 | Proverbs 10:27-28

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Numbers 6:1 – 7:89

“When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him” (Numbers 7:89 NIV).

In the midst of all the lists in Numbers it is easy to miss the little gems like this description of Moses’ prayer life.

We know that Moses met regularly with the LORD in the Tent of Meeting.  It was a place for anyone to “inquire of the Lord” (Ex. 33:7), but when Moses went there something special happened that drew people’s attention. “As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent” (Ex. 33:9-10).

Moses had an unusual intimacy with God: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Ex 33:11).   

Where did this unusual intimacy come from? Note that Moses went to the tent, expecting to speak and hear from the LORD. He came in faith, believing that he would have an intimate conversation with the LORD. Moses was one who pursued intimacy—and sought for a manifestation of God’s glory (Ex. 34). Those who seek him diligently and expectantly are the ones most likely to find the intimate place with the Father.

Also, we know that such intimacy requires daily conversation. Face to face conversation leads to friendship. Continued cultivation of that relationship leads to deeper and deeper intimacy.

Open your heart to Jesus, pour out your heart to Him. Come expecting to hear the voice of the LORD. Remain there quietly and don’t be surprised to hear the “still small voice”–the gentle whisper of the Spirit. Don’t hurry off; take the time to develop intimacy. Enjoy that time in His presence; allow your “tent of meeting” experiences to become an everyday “face to face” conversation.

Lord God, help me to draw near in faith, with expectancy, as I come into your presence today. Open my ears and my heart to the gentle whisper of your Spirit. Fill my heart with longing for quiet times in your presence. May those times be filled with delight. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen.