In the Presence of God

Exodus 33:1-23

In this week’s discussion we will look at some of the blessing of being in the presence of the Lord; as a background to this week’s topical discussion which is based on the renewal of the covenant with the nation of Israel. This lesson’s setting takes place at Mount Sinai during Israel’s journey out of Egypt as they had become very sinful which caused Moses to intercede for them on many occasions. In verse 1, we see the Lord telling Moses what to tell the people, that He would send and angel to drive out their enemies from the Promise Land that flowed with milk and honey. In verse 3 God reminded Moses of their stiff neckedness and because of their actions He (God) would consume them. God’s conversation continued with Him telling Moses what the people was to do next, which was for them to take off their ornaments so He would know what to do with them; they obeyed. The question now becomes, what came next?

To answer the above question we see Moses taking the tabernacle and pitching it far away from the camp and called it “the Tabernacle of the Congregation”, and all of God’s people who sought Him went out unto the Tabernacle; the people watched as Moses went in the Tabernacle and “there appeared a cloudy pillar that descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle.” God and Moses began their conversation as between two friends, and as the conversation continued, Moses said to God “these are the people you told me to lead out of Egypt whom I have come to know and love, but You have not told me who You will send with me. Now if I have found grace in thy sight, let me know the way. Lord, consider these are Your people.” In verse 14, we see God agreeing to go with Moses and the nation of Israel. This is profound because God considered Moses a friend whom He could with talk face to face. Another point of view on Moses’ relationship with God is that Moses was one with the Spirit of God to the extent he shared the feelings of God, meaning that Moses suffered when God did and grieved at sin like God. This requires a special relationship, one that all believers should seek to have. The question now becomes, how can one develop such a relationship with God? This kind of relationship can be developed through prayer and seeking to know God’s ways and developing a profound union with Him and His purposes, in doing so the believer can become a friend of God.

In closing this dialogue, lets look at the blessing from being in the presence of God; first, we develop a close relationship with God. Second, there is rest in the presence of the Lord. Third, there is protection in the God. Fourth, there is comfort, and fifth, there is salvation in God. What does this mean? It means that through the believer’s relationship with God we can intercede for those who lacks the personal knowledge of God. Finally, if this world is marred in sin, believers must remain loyal to God, His purpose, His holy principles, His ways, and even be willing to suffer for His righteousness.

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