Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 19:8, ” Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, ‘There is the king, sitting in the gate.’ So all the people came before the king. For everyone of Israel had fled to his tent. “

Background

I heard this comedian, himself a large man of portly stature, tell of an outing he had with some college friends. It seems that they had put together a camping trip one weekend and, against his better judgment and contrary to his lifestyle of convenience and comfort, convinced him to go. As it started out, the group drove the Winnebago to the grounds, and this man was somewhat agreeable to hanging out in the camper and tolerating nature for a couple days. But then he realized that the Winnebago was not part of the camping experience, but that they were hiking into the woods and sleeping out under the canopy of the heavens. This news did not excite him. Topping that, however, came the words of his friends to not feed the bears, and if one did come around, to remain in his tent for safety. The comic found humor in the image of a bear trying to get at him, only to be frustrated by the inability of his paws to work the zipper on the tent, when in actuality the bear could shred the tent like we would a piece of toilet paper. That tent was in truth as beneficial for protection as the Winnebago was back at the parking site. 

Application

You don’t hide in tents to avoid bears, but you may do things just as harmful or dangerous. You may simply withdraw into your room, away from those who need you most. You might put on a veneer of serenity when your heart is crying out for relief. You might be listening to the catcalls of your latest stumble. You may have dozens of tents that you flee to when, like Israel was, you are disconnected from your King. But they are mere canvasses at the mercy of the claws of your deceit. They are a façade that makes you more susceptible, not less. Withdrawal and separation, barriers and blockades, never lock out more than they trap within. It’s only when we bring to God what we are allowing to push us from Him that we find the comfort and security that we hoped to construct for ourselves. He alone is our tabernacle of salvation. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, resist the urge to withdraw or pull away, and instead come closer to God with what you might think He wants no part of. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words