God who makes His people live in tents [Part 1].

We all aspire to make progress in every aspect of life and generally avoid the prospect of demotion. In a world where the prosperity gospel is gaining popularity, it is essential that we understand the genuine essence of prosperity. God is a God of prosperity; He has promised good things in heaven. Therefore, if our message revolves around the path to heaven, then are we not preaching the gospel of prosperity? However, the challenge lies in the fact that this path to prosperity might entail navigating through various crises. Let’s look at the lives of Israelites who seemed to see a downgrade in their lifestyle and understand how God works in our lives.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to camp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharoah’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this. Exodus 14:1-4

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. They are the descendants of the great father Abraham, who was called by God to leave his country and household for the land that God would show him. Abraham left his well-established house and started living in tents, like a foreigner, without establishing any permanent place for himself.

Then came Joseph, who, for the first time, started living in well-established palaces in Egypt. We know how he brought all his brethren there with him. He saved Egypt from the great famine. But slowly, they became enslaved to Egyptians and started making palaces and towns for them.

If we examine the lives of Israelites, we observe that they were engaged in making bricks and constructing palaces and buildings for Pharaoh. They were subjected to forced labor. It wouldn’t be incorrect to suggest that the children of Israel might have gazed upon the grand buildings and architecture of Egypt and harboured a desire for their own. They might have thought “When will we earn for ourselves? How much longer must we work hard for others.” After four hundred and thirty years, a glimmer of hope finally emerged when Moses arrived with God’s word.

Moses led them out of Egypt. However, when the time came to depart the harsh reality hit them. They had to abandon all the structures built with bricks and instead live in tents. This marked a downgrade in their way of life. All their expectations were shattered. Nevertheless, there was some relief in the fact that God was their guide. His angels accompanied them, guiding the way through the desert with a cloud by day and a fire by night.

Things took a turn for the worse when this guide seemingly led them in circles, without clear direction, causing them to wander. Similarly, in our own lives, when we perceive that God is guiding us aimlessly, we often find ourselves complaining against Him. We might have anticipated significant blessings from God due to our diligent efforts. However, when we feel that God is leading us to nowhere, we begin to doubt and question His intentions.

The Israelites might have questioned, similar to us, “Our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in tents. And even after four hundred years, we’re still living in tents. How cursed our family is?” But the truth is, God led us to wander in deserts to attract our enemies. This attraction will ultimately bring about their complete destruction. We might feel that God is unaware of our struggles, that He doesn’t care. However, the truth is, He cares deeply for the generation that lived in tents. He ensured that the future generations of Israelites commemorate this struggle by establishing a feast called Feast of Tabernacle.

“Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month. Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so that your descendants will know that I made the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:41-43

Tents are a symbol of temporary shelter or dwelling. We, as believers, are supposed to live in tents. We are to live as foreigners on the earth and wait for our Canaan. But it’s important we take care of our tents properly, or otherwise, we won’t reach the Canaan land. God told the Israelites to take care of their tents. He gave them instructions on how to live in those tents. They were to observe that no uncleanliness lay near to their tents.  

Don’t lose heart when God calls us to live in tents for, He has prepared the best houses for us in heaven. Those who live in tents and camps are the perfect choice for Quiver of God.