Is the presence of God a priority for you? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our MOSES series with a message about valuing God’s presence.
Exodus 33:15-16
Then Moses said to the Lord, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 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?”
God’s presence is the theme that runs from beginning to the end of the Bible. The word for God’s presence (panim) can also be translated as God’s face. This face to face relationship with God is exactly what we were made for!
1) The presence of God is our IDENTITY.
Moses correctly sees that even if God gives them the land he promised, and gives them victory in battle, it will not be the same as if God goes with his people. The distinguishing mark of God’s people is not who we profess to be, nor our proximity to the things of God, but the abiding presence of God.
2) The presence of God is our SECURITY.
God didn’t give the children of Israel a map to the promised land. He gave them his presence to guide them. Our one responsibility is to stay close to God’s presence. He moves, we move. He stays, we stay.
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
The presence of God shifts our perspective from envy and grasping to peace and contentment. With God as our portion, our hearts are satisfied.
3) The presence of God is our DESTINY.
The whole Bible is one long story of exile and return. From the garden to the garden city. From the presence of God to the renewed presence of God. Our destiny is to enjoy the presence of the Lord forever.
There is only one way to gain access to the presence of the Lord. Jesus paid the price for our passage home. He was alienated from his Father so we could be brought near again!
