Does it ever feel like life is a continuing journey of ups and downs?  That certainly is the story of the people of Israel.  It is also the story of those God has chosen to lead them.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and now Moses all have times when they follow God well and others where well … Let’s just say it makes the rest of us feel a little better.  To me one of Moses’ high points comes in Exodus 33.  Let’s look at it together today. 

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.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 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?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

The people of Israel have just hit a low point and God is frustrated with them.  Moses knows that without God’s presence there is no point in them going on.  He pleads with God that His presence would go forth with them into the promised land.  This is significant because God has said that they will receive the blessings of the promised land even without His presence.  Moses is wise enough to know that the true blessings of God are not the things He gives us.  The true blessing of God is Himself, His very presence with us.  This is an important thing for all of us to hold to as well.  Like Moses we should long for the presence of God.  That is our true treasure.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave