PROMISE OF GOD’S PRESENCE

“And He said, “MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU, and I will give you rest” – Exodus 33:14

Our first point of meditation on this Prophetic Adventure is the PROMISE of GOD’S PRESENCE: “And He said, “MY PRESENCE will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exo.33:14). This was God’s reassurance to His people. His Presence commands REST. There is no genuine rest elsewhere in creation, than in His Presence! No wonder, the Lord Jesus Christ says in the New Testament: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28). Scripture provides ample examples of the Power of God’s Presence. One of the most profound is the life of Moses who was convinced that without God’s presence in his life it was useless for him to attempt anything.

God was sorely displeased with Israel’s idolatry, and had told Moses to prepare to proceed into the Promised Land, saying “I will give it to your descendants’” (Exo.33:1). He would send an angel before them and drive out the enemies. He would not renege on the promise of giving them the land He swore to their forefathers, but being a stiff-necked people, He couldn’t go with them, lest His Holiness consume them on the way. In effect, God denied His people the closeness of His presence due to their rebellious idolatry. He was still giving them the Promised Land, but without going with them. This made the people sad. They took off the ornaments they made from the golden calf and mourned what God had just told Moses. Are we content to receive God’s promises alone, or do we thirst for the presence of the One Who gave us the promise?

God’s presence is the very thing that brings value to His promise. Without Him, the promise is empty. It means nothing! Moses met with God at the Tent of Meeting, and pleaded for His Presence. God replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (v.14). In response, Moses emphatically stated, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (v.15). He desperately wanted God to accompany them into the Promised Land. He was saying, in essence: “More than the Promised Land, we want You, God!” The Promised Land meant nothing if God wasn’t going to go with them. Moses boldly pleaded: “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?” (v.16, NIV).

God’s Presence is what sets His people apart! His presence solidified Israel’s identity as His chosen people. It is the same presence that sets us apart from nonbelievers. His presence drives out fear and confusion, provides direction, comfort, safety, strength for life’s battles, and joy, as He leads, guides, works His will in and through us. Without the Lord’s presence, life is futile and empty. It’s His presence that makes life worth living: “Your lovingkindness is better than life…” (Psa.63:3a). Unless the Lord is in a life, it means nothing! Nothing is meaningful without Him. The job promotion, billions in the bank, acclaim and affluence – all mean very little if God isn’t present. How much of His presence we have is superior to how much money we have. And the more we empty ourselves of carnal desires, the more He can fill us and bring meaning and clarity.

The promises we shall be exploring are precious only because of Who the Promise-Giver is!

Here are more Promises of His Presence: “When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor the flame scorch you” (Isa.43:2). The Lord Jesus says: “…and lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, even to the end of the age” (Mt.28:20b); “…I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU nor forsake you” (Heb.13:5b).

No matter what battles or trials you face, you will always be able to find joyful rest and purposeful living in God’s Presence!