about face

November 6: Psalm 54; Numbers 2

Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
(Psalm 54:4)


"They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side." (Numbers 2:2)

After "numbering" the tribes in chapter, we hear them numbered again but this time listing their camping places on the east, south, west, and north side of the tabernacle. This symmetry is intriguing to me.

On the one hand, I wonder if they are encamped evenly, three tribes on each side, for protection of the tabernacle; and why is the largest tribe, Judah (from which Jesus is descended, and from which we get the word "Jew"), on the east side?

But God only says, "They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side." They weren't to be facing outward, toward the wilderness, toward potential enemies and danger. They were to face the Presence, or that place from which God said he would dwell in their midst. And on every side. As if to say, "Gather all around children; come a little closer, I want you to be near me."

Day by day, first of all, let us face the Lord who loves us, who is our helper and upholder of our lives, and who is our protector. Yes, we have lots to do, and we are responsible to do it. But I don't think God wants us to worry about all that, or even to think first about it. (cf. Matthew 6:25-34)

First, take your place around Him who tabernacled among us, who became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood (The Message), and we saw his glory (his Shekinah)... (John 1:14). First in the day, first in the heart, first in priority. Face him. And gather with his people, facing him. "In the beginning, God..." - it all still works best that way.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:18)