The Pursuit- Part 2

We all know the story. In the book of Exodus, while they wait for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai, the Israelites fashion for themselves a new god. This golden calf, constructed by Moses’ brother Aaron (who, by the way, witnessed all of the world-renowned plagues that the Lord used against Pharaoh and the Egyptians), received burnt offerings, peace offerings, and saw the beginning of the Israelites’ iniquitous blend of pagan and holy traditions. In response the LORD reveals his wrathful intentions to Moses, who then intercedes for the Israelites, asking God to “turn from your [his] burning anger and relent from this disaster against your [his] people.” (32:12).

The LORD listened to Moses and spared the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, but in the next chapter, he introduces a caveat:

“Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (33:3).

In reading this passage recently, I did a double take after reading this verse – I had never seen this qualification before. The LORD won’t go with his people? Surprising. Moses voices an objection as well:

“If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor 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?” (33:15-16).

Now here is something incredible. God has just given Moses and the Israelites the go-ahead to enter into the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the geographical fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, something the Israelites have been anticipating for centuries. Moses recognizes all of the preceding expectancy and yet refuses the promised land until one condition is met: he wants the Lord to go with them. Moses brazenly recognizes how the Israelites need the presence of the LORD. Moses refuses earthly blessings, covenantal rewards, providence and provision and instead demands the presence of the LORD.

The unabashedly laconic nature of Moses’ reaction begs some probing questions. Do we love the presence of the LORD like Moses did? Do we recognize the reality of God’s presence in our lives (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5)? Do we allow the nearness of the Holy Spirit to make us distinct (John 13:35)?

Father, I recognize the reality of your presence. Holy Spirit, tenderize my heart with your nearness. Please open my eyes to see and allow my spirit to feel the reality of your proximity. I want to know more of the love that you have for me, and I thank you that your love motivates, empowers, and strengthens the love that I have for others.

Andrew Butler