Seek His Presence

Ps Carol Hanes - INChurch Sydney

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he (Moses) said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” Exodus 33:14-15 NKJV

When the LORD delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He did so with astonishing signs and wonders that the world had never seen. God chose this people for Himself, and the time had come to form them into a nation of worshippers who would seek His face.

In Exodus 32, we witness the tragic moment of the golden calf incident. While Moses was on the mountaintop, in the very presence of God, the people turned to false gods and offered sacrifices to them. They indulged in eating and drinking without restraint—all while Aaron was in charge!

How could they turn away from the true and living God and quickly forget all He had done for them? Exodus 32:1 provides a clue: “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

The Israelites had grown too accustomed to the wonder-working God, equating His presence solely with His miraculous deeds. When God seemed silent and Moses appeared to be lost to them, they succumbed to fear in the desert wasteland and resorted to their own devices. This behaviour deeply angered the Lord, and judgment inevitably followed. Nevertheless, the Lord still offered them the opportunity to enter the Promised Land, but He made it clear that His presence would not accompany them; instead, an angel would guide them. The people mourned this bad news, and things quickly became solemn. Moses pleaded on behalf of the people for God to be with them.

Meanwhile, Moses actively sought God’s presence. He set his tent outside the camp and named it “The Tabernacle of Meeting.” Each time Moses went out to this tent, the people would rise to their feet and watch as the glorious presence of God descended upon it. “So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11)

Moses not only longed for God’s presence; he required it. He prayed, “Show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight.” (Ex 33:13) His leadership depended on divine wisdom and grace, which could only be found in God’s presence.

The Israelites experienced an unfolding understanding of God and how they were to relate to Him. Nowadays, the grace of God has been revealed to all people through Jesus Christ, who “by His death … opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts, fully trusting Him.” (Hebrews 10:20-22 NLT)

Reflect

Like Moses, are you aware of your need for God’s presence in your life?

Moses pitched his tent away from the crowd so he could listen to the voice of God and experience His presence. What could you do to create a space to meet with God?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for making a way for us into your Holy Presence by the death and resurrection of your Son. Today I invite your presence to stay with me now and throughout my day. I open my ears to hear what you may speak to me today. Amen