To me the most profound thing that Moses ever said is recorded in Exodus 33:15 which Moses says if you don’t go with us I’m not going. Moses would not take Israel on its journey without God’s presence. This is a profound revelation. The whole chapter is about the tangible presence of God and staying in step with God presence.
It is God’s presence that made the Israelites distinct from those nations around them. Without God, they were lonely, lost wanderers. With Him, they were following their Mighty Leader in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
It is God’s presence that makes the journey of life not just bearable but victorious! Our God knows us personally! He knows our names, cares for our every need, and enables us to do exploits for His Glory. Why would we want to go anywhere without Him?
During Moses’ conversation with God, Moses asks to see God’s glory. I love God’s response:
Exodus 33:19 (a) Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you.”
Exodus 33:20 But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”
Can you imagine this scene? It’s amazing! Moses asked and God granted. It gets better for us. Because of the work of the Cross we can behold His face 2 Corinthians 3:18 .
We carry the very presence of God as the Holy Spirit indwells us. Colossians 1:27 tells us that Christ is in us, the hope of glory.
As carriers of His presence, we worship, pray, declare His name, preach the Gospel, and perform miracles. 2 Corinthians 4:6
Without the Lord we can do nothing, in Him we can do all things. My challenge and prayer is that we should be so full of Him that we shine His light to a dying and corrupt world.