Our scripture this morning is Exodus 33:15 (ESV).
And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”
Exodus 33:12-23 is subtitled “Moses’ Intercession” in many translations. The Hebrews have sinned badly by practicing idol worship while Moses had gone up to meet with God. Moses pleads for God to remain with them, teaching us that without God’s presence we have no hope. The Promised Land is just dirt if God is not with us.
Moses didn’t sugarcoat what the people had done, but he makes the case that our relationship with the Lord is more important than any other gift we are given. Moses had a very special connection with God and he was not afraid to speak to Him in defense of the people. He asks for nothing less than God with us, the knowledge that whatever else happens, we are together with Him.
God has reached out to us in love throughout history. At the point in time He chose, He shared His presence with us as Jesus, a human being like us, but capable of being obedient where we were not. His self sacrifice shows His love for us; and His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit show His presence with us.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we have failed You. Forgive us and be with us, that we may go to tell the world of Your redeeming love. Amen.
