Key Passage: Exodus 33:12-23
Additional Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:14; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 51:11; Judges 16:20; in 1 Samuel 2:21
The presence of God is much more than a psychic phenomenon or a psychological experience. Just as you can sense the presence of another human being, so you can experience the pure and sometimes overwhelming presence of Almighty God. It is a wonderful thing to experience the presence of God. It has been rightly said that if you really experience the presence of God you are spoiled for anything else in life. Nothing else can compare.
God wants us to live in fellowship with Him. Though Jesus we can know the presence of God not just at some times but at all times. Like Enoch in the Old Testament, we can walk with God by our side when we are young and when we are old, when we are alone and when we are with others, when we are experiencing tough times and when we are rejoicing in good times. Like any relationship our relationship with God has to be developed. From this week, our preaching series will focus on how we can live with the presence of God every day and in every experience of life.
We are to be:
1. Convinced of our need for the presence of God (Exodus 33:15; in Mark 9:36-7)
2. Characterised by the presence of God (Exodus 33:16)
3. Changed by the presence of God
• His Favour (Exodus 33:17)
• His Protection (Exodus 33:20-23)
• His Love (Exodus 33:18-20; Exodus 24:5-7a)
4. Carriers of the presence of God (Exodus 34:29)
Apply
Are you convinced of your need of God like Moses was? Are we as individuals and families and as a church conscious of how much we need the Lord with us in every area of our lives? Or do we think, like so many think in our nation, that knowing God is really no big deal: that we can get by without God. We can rely on our own efforts, our education, our intellects, our finances, our own drive and personalities to succeed in life. All of these have their place, but as Jesus said in Mark 9:36-37 'what good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his own soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his own soul?'. If God is missing from a life, that life is fundamentally empty. The most important thing to have on earth is not a material possession, but fellowship with God, the very giver of life.
Do you go about the daily business of life without prioritising your relationship with the Lord? Christians frequently make decisions, sometimes very big decisions, without really seeking to know if God is with them in those decisions. Moses knew how much He and the people of God needed God to be with them. The presence of God among the people of God is what makes the church unique. The Israelites were distinguished from others because they lived with God's supernatural favour and protection, and that's why Moses prayed to God 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.' How much do you depend upon the presence of God in your daily life? Do you rely on His presence to guide you in every decision?
When did you last truly experience the presence of God? His presence will change you, and you will receive help, hope and healing. By His presence you will reflect His love, purity, gentleness, humility, goodness and grace. In order to see your home, workplace, community and country changed, determine today be a carrier of the presence of God. From today, make it your priority to develop and practice living in His presence.
