By Authrine Dryden
14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”
17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:14-17 (NLT)
“Are we there yet?” squealed a little voice from behind the front seats of the car. “Not yet” chuckled Mum. “You are such an eager beaver aren’t you,” continued mum. “But Mum I’m just too excited!” shouted the same little voice from the back seat. “Sweetie just understand that the rabbit is yours, he’s been set aside in the hutch and given the name you have chosen.” “Ok Mum, it's just that I want to hold him, cuddle him and let him know he is mine,” sighed the little voice again seated in the back seat.
Does this sound very familiar to you? I’m sure this was how Moses felt in the conversation that ensued between him and the Lord. Sure, the Israelites were a chosen people who embarked on their journey to the Promised Land with God. Even though they grumbled and complained they had to recognise that without the presence of God to guide them they were going nowhere! They had to depend on God wholeheartedly. Moses was their leader and knew that what was best for the people was to learn how to rely on the favour of God –“How will anyone know that you look favourably on me – on me and on your people – if you don’t go with us?” (Exo 33:16.)
Learning how to depend upon the favour of God is a life’s journey. Unless we accept and understand that his promises are sure and for us to access them, we have to be aware that he knows us. He chose us. He sets us apart and invites us into his presence. We do not have to worry or fear because like the little voice seated in the back seat of the car, we are assured that we are His. We are favoured and have been given a name that’s uniquely ours as we journey together with Him.
Ask – Why was it important to Moses that God’s presence went with them?
Seek – Has this episode inspired you to rely on the favour of God?
Knock – Let us now seek the favour of God to make progress on the journey.
(Upper Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash)
(Inner Photo by Geoffroy Hauwen on Unsplash)
