The Place. Deuteronomy 12:5. “But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:” They are coming—from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, from the desert and mountains in the east beyond Jordan, and from the Great Sea to the west. They are coming as God said—coming to “The Place”—the one the Lord God Himself chose. God’s name is there. God’s dwelling with His people is there, so prepare to meet Him there. Leave what you are doing and go there. Bring your sons and daughters—maidservants and menservants too. “The Place” is where God expects you to come—where He desires to meet you.
There are animals coming from the herds and flocks—beautiful animals—the very best. There are bags full of grain—sheaves are being brought—tithes of all. These are not provisions to eat but to give to God—evidence of gratitude and thanksgiving. They are bringing oil in the casks—the first of everything belongs to the Lord.
Why are some not coming? Where are they? What are they doing? Business comes first—personal matters interfere with offering to God. Pleasure takes priority on His Day, and “The Place” ranks far down the list. Priorities are made, but they are not God’s—“I don’t need to come to ‘The Place’ to go to heaven.” Seats are empty at the table—the supper is spread, but they are not there. “The Place” doesn’t hold much meaning for them—if the place doesn’t, does God? The food of fellowship is on the table, the privilege of offering is available, and the quiet hymns of worship and praise reach God’s ears—but voices are missing.
Words of thanksgiving, remembrance, appreciation, and spiritual joy are shared from open and grateful hearts at “The Place” when you are there. However, there is a sense of incompleteness when those who could be there aren’t. Lord, speak to them and reveal the value of “The Place.”