With You

Exodus 33:12-14 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.’ 13 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.” 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
 
MOSES had an extraordinary intimacy with God. Their relationship was such that Moses often bared his soul to God. As he often praised God, Israel’s leader also reminded God of his promises to lead and protect Israel.
      One way he did this was with “If-Then” statements. An example in verse 13 is, “If you are pleased with me, (then) teach me your ways…” Perhaps in our experience and learning, we might consider such language a sin. Many who reject God will say such things as, “If God exists, then he would not let me be sick.” The soldiers crucifying Jesus mocked him, “If you are the king of the Jews, (then) save yourself.” (Luke 23:37) But we must know Moses’ conversation – prayer often is a conversation – with God was much different.
      Moses did not speak with challenging, faithless, mocking words. Instead, he spoke with expectation and a deep trust in God. He had witnessed God’s most remarkable miracles through Moses’ staff and words. Israel’s chosen leader faithfully knew God would affirm his promises to Moses and his people. He prayed for God to meet his needs. He knew the holy, sovereign God would respond to lead him forward because that was what God had said he would do.
      Declaring, “My Presence will go with you.” God once again affirmed Moses’ faith. Yahweh – the Almighty God – offered all of himself completely to Moses. Commentator Adam Clarke defines this as God saying, “I shall give you manifestations of My grace and goodness through the whole of your journey. I shall vary My appearances for you, as your needs require.”
      In other words, Moses, I will be with you wherever you go. Trust me to help you through each circumstance. I am all you need. Centuries later, the Holy Spirit would give the apostle Paul this faithful confession: 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
      Trust God is still the same faithful Power and Provider for your life. Whatever your needs, seek his Word, even unto eternal life.
 
LIFE Link: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Jesus said that. Matthew 28:20)