"Camping in the Hood"

My family and I love to camp. There is something about leaving the confines and comfort of your permanent residence and connecting with nature for a few days. We can always find an adventure when we camp - whether it's going on a bike ride or hiking on a trail. We are away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city and feel closer to God and His creation. I think camping is close to God's heart. In fact, we learn from the Bible that camping is godly. In Exodus 33, God camped out with His people, the Israelites after they left the confines of Egypt for 40 years. Moses would pitch a tent called the "tent of meeting" or "tabernacle" and God would come down to speak with him face to face. This typified God dwelling in their midst. God would "come down" to camp out in their neighborhood.

Jesus did the same thing. Look at John 1:1-4. "In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being." Now, check out what verse 14 says."The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us". The Amplified version says, "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled among us." This means He pitched his tent of flesh and lived awhile among us. The Message says, "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood".

How cool is that? God, in the flesh, came down to camp out with humans for 33 1/2 years. But here is the kicker - we are expected to do the same with others. Because He has chosen to dwell within us, we can give others our presence. We are to camp with others. We are to incarnate and tabernacle in our neighborhoods. May God continue to give us His Spirit to do His will.