The presence of God in His Word
October 22, 2017
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Exodus 33: 12-23
12 Moses said to the Lord, ‘See, you have said 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 favour in my sight.” 13 Now if I have found favour in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favour in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ 14 He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ 15 And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favour in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.’
17 The Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name.’ 18 Moses said, ‘Show me your glory, I pray.’ 19 And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, “The Lord”; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But’, he said, ‘you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.’ 21 And the Lord continued, ‘See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23 then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.’
Moses was close to God. They liked each other. They talked to each other as a man talks to his friend. Therefore Moses knew the power and value of God’s Words firsthand. It was in hearing from God that Moses became the person God needed for his people and his time. It was in hearing God’s word that the people of the desert became the people of Israel, the community of God. Moses was convinced “No man can see God and live” but he got as close as someone could get!
Through Jesus’ journey to the Cross and Resurrection, the way has been made for us to get up close and personal to God too. We begin to see Him. We begin to hear Him. But there are other voices that seem to shout louder and those have a powerful effect too. The news media fills us with anxiety and fear, uncertainty and even hopeless despair. When Moses was facing his moment of terror God showed him 4 important aspects of His glory. He is happy to show us that too as we listen to His Word.
- We see His Goodness actively reaching people in floods, earthquake, war and poverty with warm hands of love carrying food, medicines and hope.
- We hear the Name of the Lord proclaimed when the persecuted church declare “We are not afraid” and press on with their programmes to bring Jesus to their world.
- We observe Grace as it makes an impact on every nation of the world bringing people face to face with God who is love.
- And we see Compassion that feeds families in famine and clothes the refugee.
We see His Glory.
Father thank you that you made a way for us
Thank you that you are always with us
Thank you that you never leave us
Father fill me today with your Holy Spirit afresh
Open my eyes to see the world you see
Fill me with your Goodness
Put on my lips your Name oh Lord
Grant me your Grace
May we, your people, be led by your compassion
That we may we see your Glory
That we may hear your voice in the midst of many voices
That your Kingdom come
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Amen.
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