The Greatness of GodNäide

God’s Presence Goes with Us

How well do we keep pace with Jesus?

It is often only in retrospect we realize we have run ahead, made a wrong turn or perhaps lost sight of Jesus in our life. At this point in the Exodus story, Moses has become a diligent follower of God. He is closely attuned to God’s movement, the significance of His presence, and the setbacks that can result in His absence.

Moses is reluctant to move forward even one step without seeing God lift His foot first, almost like playing a game of the floor is lava and God’s footprints are the only safe place to stand.

This is a significant moment for the Israelites, not just because of where they are headed (the Promised Land), but because their calling was to be distinct from the nations around them. This distinction was not based on their achievements or their loyalty to God; the chapters prior make that evident. Rather, their distinction from the nations around them depends on God’s character and God’s presence with them. That is what Moses is calling upon. He reminds God of His mercy, of the covenant promises He made to Israel to be their God. Despite their disobedience, God consistently and wholeheartedly declares them to be His people. He still chooses to act in love. He will not act against His character or promises.

What defined the Israelites then and what defines us now as the people of God, is His presence.

Would you say that is the defining feature of your life?

Does your life look different to the culture around you?

Is your life reflective of God’s presence in the way you choose to live your days, how you approach your work, engage in your relationships with family, friends, and the community?

This passage speaks of how our lives are to be defined by the very presence of God. That is to be our ‘distinguishing feature,’ not our success or our fruitfulness.

Pause and reflect

Let’s pray and ask God to bring His distinguishing presence to our lives and, in trust, make space for Him to do so.

Let’s also take time to pray this more broadly for the people of God in the communities, prayer houses, churches, or organizations in our nations. Ask God that they would not just increase in numbers or produce profound resources or projects, but first and foremost, they would be a people defined by the presence of God.

Pause and pray