Affirmed or Afraid?
His Word: Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33: 12-14
Observation & Obedience: In His Word for today, Moses and God had just had another “face to face” conversation - The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend (v.11).
Moses was confirming what He had heard from God : Lead these people, I know you by name, you have found favor with me. But even after all these affirmations, Moses was still expecting God to give him someone to go with him into the Promised Land. Another human he could count on for support and strength. Someone who could take over for him when he needed a break from dealing with these challenging and complaining Israelites.
When God is telling you something He wants/expects you to do, are you apt to be like Moses and ask for someone to go with you? Are you not sure if you can do all that He’s asking of you by yourself? Is the thought of a human companion more comforting and confidence building?
What did Moses ask God to do and why? Is this a common request of yours when you’re unsure and insecure?
Moses even “reminds” God who He has put him in charge of – your (chosen) people. Maybe Moses was thinking God would provide him with a much stronger leader than he was. Someone who was a better communicator. Someone the people would respect more and want to follow.
The Lord responds with a simple promise to Moses. “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
God would be his companion. God would provide direction and decision making skills. God would give him the rest he needed. God would be all Moses needed in order to fulfill His commands.
Prayer: “Dear God, there are many days when I act like Your Presence is not enough. When I think that I need someone else to come along side me to give me direction, strength and support. Yes, you have provided people in my life who do that, but they should not be the ones I depend on for everything. Only You can be that. Only You can be with me everywhere and at all times. Today I choose to cling to this promise of Your permanent Presence and Peace and believe it is all I need. Amen.”
Encouragement: A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me. Philip Yancey
* Share with us a time you depended on God’s Presence and rest to be all you needed….
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