Three Places the LORD Meets with Us

Introduction

Throughout scripture, God expresses a desire to meet with His people. These meetings are not random but are set apart, holy encounters, often tied to specific places and practices. Let’s explore three significant places where the LORD meets with us, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments for deeper understanding. 

1. The Mercy Seat – A Place of Communion and Atonement

Key Scripture:

• “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony…” (Exodus 25:22 KJV) 

Supporting Scriptures:

• Leviticus 16:2 – The LORD tells Moses He will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement.
• Hebrews 9:5 – The mercy seat is referenced as the place of God’s presence in the Holy of Holies.
• Romans 3:25 – Christ is described as our “propitiation,” or mercy seat, through faith in His blood.

Application:
 The mercy seat represents God’s desire to commune with us, offering forgiveness and relationship through Christ. In prayer and meditation, we approach this “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

2. The Altar of Incense – A Place of Worship and Intercession

Key Scripture:

• “And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.” (Exodus 30:6 KJV) Supporting Scriptures:

• Psalm 141:2 – “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense…”
• Revelation 8:3-4 – The prayers of the saints rise before God like incense.
• Luke 1:8-11 – Zechariah encounters the angel Gabriel at the altar of incense.

Application:
 The altar of incense symbolizes worship and intercessory prayer. God meets us as we lift our prayers and praises, drawing near in the fragrance of devotion.

3. The Brazen Altar – A Place of Sacrifice and Praise

Key Scripture:

• “[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.” (Exodus 29:42 KJV) [three plac…meets.docx | Word]

Supporting Scriptures:

• Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise…”
• Hebrews 13:15 – “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually…”
• Romans 12:1 – We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

Application:
 The brazen altar points to the necessity of sacrifice—ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s offering. Today, we bring our praise and our lives as living sacrifices, meeting God in surrendered worship.

The Hebrew Word “Ya’ad” – To Meet by Appointment

The Hebrew verb יָעַד (ya’ad) means “to meet by appointment, to assemble, to set a time.” God’s meetings with us are intentional and purposeful, not accidental. He invites us to set aside time and space to encounter Him. [three plac…meets.docx | Word]

Conclusion

God’s desire to meet with us is woven throughout scripture—from the mercy seat, to the altar of incense, to the brazen altar. Each place points to a different aspect of our relationship with Him: communion, worship, and sacrifice. Through Christ, these meeting places are open to all who seek Him.