Exodus 33:12-16 (ESV)
Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 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.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 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?”
Explanation:
Moses knows that he’s been called to take his people to the Promised Land, but he also knows that there’s more to the journey than just getting there. Imagine that you have been chosen to lead a huge group of people to a place that you’ve never been before. You have no GPS, cell phone, maps, or technology to lead the way. The people are looking to you to get them there, and you’ve heard enough cries of “Are we there yet?” and “How much further?” to send you over the edge.
That’s where we find Moses. He is complaining to God that he’s trying to lead with incomplete information. Moses is asking God for more than just His provision. He wants God’s Presence. He boldly says to God, “If YOU aren’t going, WE aren’t going.” Without God along for the journey to their destination, the Promised Land meant nothing. God promised Moses that His presence, what we know as the Holy Spirit, was going to go beside them and give them rest.
Let’s reflect for a moment: how many times do we try to get to the destination, but forget to ask God to lead the way? We often turn to society for remedies when we get lost, forgetting that they offer nothing of value. Our only hope for the journey is to place our trust and faith in the Creator of the universe, and Master of the destination.
Application:
If you were given everything you ever wanted except the presence of God, would you take the deal?
How can you adjust your priorities to make sure that you place your journey in His hands instead of trying to take it on yourself?
Prayer:
Lord, I am so thankful and humbled that You have given us Your presence. I know that I have failed so many times when I am on a journey, forgetting that You are the only One that can help me get to the destination. Remind me that regardless of the battle, You are here. Remind me to look to You FIRST, and not after the struggle begins. Give me strength for the journey that lies ahead, knowing that You will give me Your provision and Your presence. Thank You for the many blessings that You’ve given me, and continue to use me to do Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.