God Has a Habit of Meeting People in Tents
Photo by Tati y Adri on Unsplash
When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God commanded Moses, “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” — Exodus 25:8
The Tabernacle was a sacred space, crafted with intentional beauty. Skilled artisans were filled with the Spirit to weave curtains of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, to carve golden lampstands, and to embroider cherubim on the tent walls (Exodus 31:1–11). Every detail mattered, because every detail revealed and shared the glory of God.
Moses’s Tent
Outside the camp, Moses pitched a simple tent—a place of intimacy where he met with God face to face (Exodus 33:11.)
The Tent of Meeting became a living symbol of God’s desire to draw near. He didn’t wait for perfect temples—He met His people in the wilderness, surrounded by dust and need.
Abraham’s Tent
Abraham set up tents across the desert and built altars beside them. Beneath the oaks of Mamre, he welcomed three mysterious visitors who carried a promise: that Sarah would bear a son (Genesis 18).
In Abraham’s humble tent, God appeared as a guest, and hospitality became the doorway to encounter.
When we welcome strangers into our tent at Burning Man, we’re doing what Abraham did—we’re making room for God to reveal Himself through conversation, kindness, and the ministry of presence.
David’s Tent
King David too longed to build God a dwelling place, saying, “I will not give sleep to my eyes… until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” — Psalm 132:4–5
His heart was restless for beauty and belonging—a place where heaven could meet earth. That same desire burns in us as we prepare our tent in the desert: to create a space not for spectacle, but for presence.
The Feast of Booths
Generations later, the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Booths—living in temporary shelters for seven days to remember how God provided for them in the wilderness. Each small booth was a declaration: God meets us even here, even now.
When we raise our tent at Burning Man, we’re continuing that legacy—creating a temporary home of worship, hospitality, and joy. It’s a modern booth of encounter in a transient city of dust.
Jesus, the Living Tabernacle
And then—God pitched His tent among us.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14
The Greek word translated “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled.” Jesus Himself became the meeting place between heaven and earth. He didn’t wait for humanity to reach Him; He came to camp in our wilderness, to fill our dust with glory.
Preparing the Tent of Encounter
In the same Spirit, we build and decorate our tent at Burning Man.
We aren’t just setting up fabric and furniture—we’re preparing a sanctuary in the desert where God’s presence can be felt.
Pillows, lights, art, and color may seem like small details, but they are acts of worship.
Our team hangs fabric, arranges pillows, places art, and adds small touches of beauty. It may look like decorating, but really it’s consecration—preparing a space for God to reveal Himself.
Ultimately, evangelization isn’t just preaching the Gospel—it’s creating spaces where people can experience Him.
Every light we hang, every rug we unroll, every prayer we whisper in the dust says the same thing:
“Come, Lord. Dwell here. Meet Your people again in the tent.”
About the Author: Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.
Stay Connected to Nova
Nova is a pseudonym that signifies a new, bright star. If you would like to be invited to the private blog, see pictures from the field, and hear more stories, please fill out this short form.
Staying Connected or Learning More
Help share this and other blogs with your friends and ministry leaders! It would also be a huge help if you could please follow us on social media via the links below! Thank you!
If you would like to receive leadership updates, link here to stay current on All Nations International’s news and prayer efforts! To learn more about All Nations today, visit: www.allnations.international!
Are you wondering if you are wired to go? This area on our web site will help you!
We have plenty other resources (devotion, book club, events) and a monthly global prayer for the neglected! You are welcome to join us.
Give today to see the neglected globally reached — the least, the last, and the lost!
www.allnations.international
Reaching the neglected globally — the least, the last, and the lost since 1993.
