From childhood, I’ve loved the story of the Exodus and how God lead His people from Egypt into the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey, otherwise called the Promised Land. Over the years, Exodus 33 has become especially meaningful as I’ve learned of the importance and reward of obedience, and of seeking God’s presence while following His lead.
This chapter of Exodus brings to mind something that happened when I was a very little girl. Not paying attention, I wandered away from my parents while we were in a large store. All of the sudden I felt very lonely and afraid! The place that had looked safe, inviting, and interesting just moments before instantly became a place of danger and fear.
I didn’t want to make my way to the front of the store all alone, but I did because I desperately wanted to be with my parents. It was only after the store clerk paged my parents, then returned me to them that I felt safe again. I didn’t want to be anywhere where they weren’t.
Exodus 33 is a bit like that. The Israelites spiritually “wandered away” and Moses desperately sought the presence of God for spiritual safety and direction.
It’s in the chapters that come just before that we are told of Moses going up to Mt. Sinai to receive the Law. While he was gone, the Israelites greatly disobeyed and worshipped the famous “golden calf.”
Moses’ Intercession
Without Moses’ pray of intercession and conversation with God in Exodus 33:12-23, God had decided not to accompany the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. Why? The people had proven themselves stiff-necked and rebellious.
But in verse 13 Moses prays,
“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” (Exodus 33:13)
Not only did Moses pray, reminding God to consider the Israelites, he prayed asking God to show him His ways.
- God will never disappoint us when we ask Him to show us more of Himself so we can understand more about His ways and who He is.
Seeking God’s Presence
Like a lost child would seek the safety and leadership of their parents, Moses sought hard after God.
And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16)
It is God’s presence that made the Israelites distinct from those nations around them. Without God, they were lonely, lost wanderers. With Him, they were following their Mighty Leader in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22 and 33:9).
- God will never disappoint us when we ask for His presence. Yes, there may be fear-filled times where we don’t feel like it*, but we can take heart in knowing that Jesus will never leave us! (Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5)
It is God’s presence that makes the journey of life bearable, isn’t it? Our God knows us personally! He knows our names (Exodus 33:17) and cares for our every need. Why would we want to go anywhere without Him?
Experiencing God’s Glory
During Moses’ conversation with God, Moses asks to see God’s glory. I love God’s response:
And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ (Exodus 33:19 a)
But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Exodus 33:20)
Can you imagine this scene? It’s amazing! And I love the simplicity of it. Moses asked and God granted.
What if we do the same?
- God will never disappoint us when we ask to see His glory and His beauty revealed in Christ Jesus. (Matthew 7:7)
The Bible teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in Christ. Hebrews 1:3 says:
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)
And the beauty is that anyone who seeks Him has access to Him.
We don’t need to wander aimlessly, afraid or lonely. We can pray for God to show us His ways, His presence, and ask to see His glory revealed in Christ! We don’t have to go anywhere without Him.
We just need to ask.
How has God shown His presence lately? Have you asked Him to?
Ali
*If you need a reminder that God is with you in dark times, here’s a great article from Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/jesus-will-not-leave-you-alone
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