Exodus 33:12-18
Back in March/April 2020, most of us as believers chatted about how God intended to use this time of crisis to draw us closer and deeper into HIS presence. How has that process developed in your life?
I recently bumped into some friends from a local church who hadn’t attended worship, or any kind of prayer/fellowship gathering (online or in person), in almost a year. The bigger issue was that they didn’t really appear to miss being in God’s presence. They had become even more nominal, apathetic and seemed quite content to approach the next season without God’s manifest presence in their lives.
Has that been your experience? Is that becoming your experience? Are you too becoming lukewarm?
Christ has called us to follow Him submissively (James 4:7), passionately (Mark 12:30), sacrificially (1 John 3:16), and in obedience to all He taught (Matt 28:20). His promise to us is that He will be with us to the end of the age… This is the breath-taking promise for every New Covenant believer! But, as we continue through this increasingly challenging season, it is God’s manifest presence that transforms the atmosphere and makes the difference.
As Moses prepared for a new season (Exodus 33) filled with mystery, uncertainty due to challenges, and excitement about God’s promises, he had one central issue. He wouldn’t move towards the new normal, new challenges, and into an uncertain future without the manifest presence of God!
“Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”” (Exodus 33:15–16, NLT)
Moses knew, because of his experiences in Egypt and the wilderness, that it is only God’s supernatural provision, presence and power that makes it possible to overcome all of the challenges that this life brings. Like Moses, we are living in days when God is fulfilling His promises to lead His people into victory, so as we look ahead to a new normal with mystery and uncertainty, but with the sure promises of God, let’s really press into God’s presence. Let’s utilise these latest times of restriction as another opportunity to pursue Jesus, God’s presence and to seek His glory.
Lord, our prayer in this moment is simple but desperate, draw us closer, walk with us into these ever-changing times and show us Your glory! (Exodus 33:18).