Saturday, April 6: Exodus 33– God’s ultimate blessing…

God’s anger burns against Israel. They have done that which is most despicable and most rejecting of the Lord. They broke the first three commandments in one fell swoop. As a result God speaks some of His strongest words against Israel. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way" (3).

To remove His presence is to remove that which is most precious, that which is the foundation for every blessing that flows. Without the presence of God they are no different than any other people on the face of the earth. Moses understands this (read vv15-16) and pleads with God for Israel!

As I reflected on the presence of God, Jesus’ words, And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20) take on a new and richer meaning. When Jesus says He will send the Holy Spirit (John 14-16, Acts 2) to be with us always and when Paul teaches that the Spirit is with us as God’s guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14), we are receiving the ultimate blessing of God.  For with God’s presence comes God and all His glory and wonder and …

Praise You, Lord God, for Your presence with us and for Your constant and abiding presence in Your people, the church. May we understand the wonder and gift that Your presence is! Alleluia. Amen.