Importance of God’s Presence

Moses implored God to go with them. HIS presence carried great significance.

In Exodus 33 – 34, God refused going with stiff-necked people for fear of consuming them. People feared God and yet they knew HIS presence was vital. Moses tried his best to beseech the LORD. HE agreed finally, with the covenant renewed before setting out.

The precious values of God’s presence:

1)      God’s grace is bestowed, a sign to distinguish HIS people from other people dwelling on the earth. HIS people don’t have to fear humans no matter how strong other parties are.

2)      Nothing is impossible to the LORD. HE is the infallible source of protection from enemy, hunger, thirsty, evilness. HE never runs short of wondrous works and is generous with help to HIS people.

3)      God is full of goodness and refuses to go with wicked people. HIS presence suggested mercy and forgiveness given to children of Israel because they committed idolatry not long ago.

4)      God could check man’s corruption effectively through severe punishments or wondrous works. HIS presence will remind people to fear HIM and walk in a circumspect manner.

The LORD’s presence was remarkable indeed. To the majority, HE came in the form of a cloud. To Moses, they could talk like friends and he could see HIS back. No man can see God’s face and still be alive; HIS caution is an act of love, to spare life.

Same as children of Israel, we ought to believe in God, know HIM and receive HIS graces without seeing HIM. Always count our blessings and be thankful to the LORD. Never be a stiff-necked people, forgetting HIS loving-kindness to us.

Moses and children of Israel knew that they couldn’t do without God. Fear not to be with God but strengthen ourselves not to sin, HE will keep us safe without consuming us. Learn from Moses to stay friendly and rewardingly with God. He knew the LORD well, glorified and worshiped HIM properly. His virtues were worthy of imitating.

God is merciful and gracious, slow to wrath, and abound in love, goodness and truth. HE shows mercy to those who repent and ask for forgiveness, and yet HE won’t skip the punishments to sinners. HIS people must keep the renewed covenant to maintain a harmonious relationship with HIM.

Moses received God’s instructions 40 days and 40 nights, neither ate nor drank, and passed them to HIS people faithfully. His health did not deteriorate. In addition, his face shone and he had to wear a veil in front of other people. What a marvel result from talking with God!

Though God is omnipresence, we must make our effort to seek HIM. Fear the LORD, pray to HIM, praise HIM and observe HIS laws strictly forever. With faith growing stronger, we will earn HIS presence gradually.

Let’s pray to God:

Savior Jesus, have mercy on us. Please remove our sins, help us regain God’s presence and cherish it steadfastly throughout our life. Amen.