Last time, we talked about learning God’s ways with humility and obedience to find His favor even after our failures. In the passage in Exodus 33:13, Moses said, “… teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” Just after, in Exodus 33:14-16, the conversation continued, “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
As often happens, some of the meaning in verse 14 is lost in the English translation. While “My presence will go with you” reads like a statement it is actually a question in the original language. God is asking Moses, “Are you sure you want me to go with you?” God has always wanted to be with us but in the Bible the pattern is often when God reaches out to us (humans), we reject Him. In truth, God is asking us the same question today, “Do you really want my presence?” Moses knew it was God’s presence that made the difference for the Israelites. As it was with them, so it is with us…. The only thing that makes us different and creates the distinction is the presence of God! (Without the presence of God, three Hebrew boys would have burned in the fire, Daniel would have perished in the lions’ den, and, well, you get the idea.) It is the reason faith and trust are so important – they open the door for God’s presence and power in our lives.
In Exodus 33:18, Moses has one more request, “Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” The glory of God is the full weight and measure of the Personhood of God. Moses wasn’t concerned about his own personal glory; He wanted to see God! God responded, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence” (Exodus 33:19).
So often we want to pursue “all the things” for our own glory, rather than seeking the glory of God. His promise should lead to His presence; His presence should lead to His person. This week, may we seek God’s presence and His glory in all that we do.