Scripture
Exodus 33:15-17-“Then Moses said to him, ‘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?’ And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.’”
Observation
God is going to send the Israelites into Canaan, the promised land, but they have been stubborn and obstinate and often turned their back on Him. His directions are to go to the land flowing with milk and honey but He will not go with them, they must go without Him. This is devastating news to Moses; he knows that God is the only reason they have survived so far. He has protected them, and provided for them, without Him they are doomed. How could they forget God’s goodness and power to lead them this far? Miracle after miracle after miracle and still they turn their back on Him. Moses pleads with God, imploring Him to forgive the Children of Israel and lead them into Canaan. God’s heart softens and He agrees to accompany them on the journey. I am no different from the Israelites, I often let Him down and go down my own path, even after all of the unearned mercy, grace, protection, and provision He has blessed me and my family with. The intervention of Moses saved the nation, because of Him, God stayed by their side.
Application
I must first follow God’s path for me more closely. I must deny myself and live a life more worthy of Him. I must turn away from sin and walk with Him. And second, when I stray, I must plead with my Savior for mercy and forgiveness. I must never take that for granted. His grace is free, but it is priceless. I cannot move forward without Him because He is my purpose and reason for living. I want to please Him and have Him know me by my name.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me when I fail You. I am not worthy of Your love but You love me anyway. I want to please You and represent You well to those around me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
