DAY 140 - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE EXODUS
FOR HOW SHALL IT BE KNOWN THAT I HAVE FOUND FAVOUR IN YOUR SIGHT, I AND YOUR PEOPLE? IS IT NOT IN YOUR GOING WITH US, SO THAT WE ARE DISTINCT, I AND YOUR PEOPLE, FROM EVERY OTHER PEOPLE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH?”
Exodus 33: 16
Reading: Exodus 33:12-17
Today we get greater insight into the relationship of intimacy and trust that had developed between the Lord and Moses. This account of Moses’ interaction with God is incredible – so make sure you read it.
Yahweh had given His people the law, He had given them instructions on how to build the tabernacle, and in this way, He had expressed His desire to be with His people. But while Moses was up the mountain with God, the people rebelled, rejected God and Moses and made a golden calf to worship.
God was furious and wanted to wipe the people out but because of Moses’ intercession, God relented. Moses pleaded with God for mercy on the nation and God withdrew His fury. Moses then asked God for more of His presence and signs of God’s favour. And what did God do? He promised His presence and rest.
What makes us Christians different from the rest of the world and what makes Christianity different from other religions, is that our God is with us! Other religions try to get to God, try to please a deity by good works or devotion. But Jesus has come to us. He has made a way for us to live with Him here and now, not just one day when we go to heaven.
Do you live every day aware of His presence with you? At work or school or at home, are you tuning in to the indwelling Spirit? Praying in the Spirit is a great way to remind yourself of His presence and keep you aware of Him.
Prayer
Take time today to pray in the spirit and grow in your awareness of His indwelling presence with you.
For the family
Explain
The point of Moses’ request of God was so that those around them would know that they were a distinct people different from those around them. Talk about what it could have looked like for the people to be different from those around them. Help your kids to make the connection to then and now that we carry the Holy Spirit in us, Gods presence and we want to be different from those around us not in a weird or famous or bad way but in a way that shows people that out God lives with us and it is something that they would want too.