Never move without God’s presence

A Reflection on Exodus 33

Introduction
The difference between a believer in Christ and an unbeliever under the control of Satan is the presence of God in the believer’s life. Nothing makes more of a difference than that!

When the people of God sinned by worshiping the golden calf in Exodus 32, God showed His displeasure by sending a plague among them. He then ordered them to go, but said He would not go with them, lest He consume them. Moses pleaded for God to change His mind, and He did. Mortal men like Moses understood that without the presence of God, man can do nothing (John 15:5).

What lessons can we take from this chapter?

1. God’s Presence Does Not Dwell with Sinful Men (Exodus 33:1-6)
God commanded Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land, which flows with milk and honey. He reiterated His promises but gave the bad news that because of their disobedience, His presence would not go with them. He instructed them to take off their ornaments so He could decide what to do with them. This was terrible news for God’s people.

God registers His displeasure with us when He withdraws His presence from our lives. Take, for example, King Saul. When he consistently disobeyed God, God left him alone to self-destruct (1 Samuel 16:14). During Noah’s time, when men were wicked, God said His spirit would not strive with man (Genesis 6:3). In the New Testament, we are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30). God’s presence does not dwell with sinful people because He is holy and righteous by nature.

2. God’s Presence Dwells with the Righteous (Exodus 33:7-11)
In contrast, Moses relocated from the people and set up a tabernacle where he met with God regularly. Though the people had sinned, Moses had not, and he was righteous before God, allowing him to commune with God face to face. The people observed as God’s presence descended on Moses’ abode but could not share in it themselves.

What do we learn from this? It is clear that God distinguishes between the righteous and the unrighteous, choosing to dwell with the righteous. When the whole earth was sinful and wicked, Noah was just before Him, so God gave him a mission. God always looks for vessels of honor to commune with and use for His work.

3. A Shepherd Must Plead for the Presence of God for His People (Exodus 33:12-23)
The last lesson in this chapter is that Moses, the man of God, interceded for the people so that God’s presence would go with them. Moses pleaded with God until he received a positive answer. He reasoned with God, and God changed His mind. What an example of prayer!

Shepherds of the Lord’s people must intercede for God’s presence to manifest in their lives, as without it, they cannot be fruitful in their Christian journey. Like Moses, we must learn to persist in prayer until we receive answers for our people. God seeks someone who can stand in the gap for His people. May we be like Moses.

Conclusion
Exodus 33 is a profound teaching on the importance of having God’s presence in our lives rather than trying to go it alone. Moses’ life and actions show us that we must live in God’s presence and intercede for others to experience the same. If our sins turn the Lord away, we shall be doomed, like King Saul who lost his leadership to another.

Take Action: Never proceed on any venture without ensuring God’s presence goes with you.