Longing for God's Glory: Prioritizing His Presence

 

Summary

In our gathering tonight, we explored the profound desire to witness God's glory, drawing inspiration from Exodus 33 where Moses pleads, "Please show me your glory." This plea is not just a historical moment but a call for us to examine our own hearts and desires. If God were to grant us three wishes, would seeing His glory be among them? Moses, despite his extraordinary experiences with God, yearned for more of His presence, illustrating a deep hunger that should resonate within us.

We reflected on the Israelites' journey, where God offered them the Promised Land but without His presence due to their rebellion. Moses' response was clear: he would rather remain in the wilderness with God than enter the Promised Land without Him. This challenges us to prioritize God's presence over earthly blessings. The narrative reminds us of God's dual nature as both loving and just, capable of wrath against sin, yet merciful to those who seek Him earnestly.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of reverence in our worship. In the Old Testament, meticulous care was taken in worship practices, and we are called to a similar, if not greater, reverence today. The New Testament elevates this call, urging us to worship with awe, recognizing God as a consuming fire. Our gatherings should not be about personal preferences or comforts but about seeking God's presence and glory.

As we long for God's glory, we are reminded that the entire biblical narrative is about God dwelling with humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the story is about restoring the relationship between God and man, culminating in an eternal existence with Him. Our current longing should mirror Moses' desire, groaning for the day when we will fully experience God's glory.

Key Takeaways:

- Desire for God's Glory: Moses' request to see God's glory challenges us to examine our own desires. Are we content with our current spiritual experiences, or do we yearn for a deeper encounter with God? This longing should be a central part of our spiritual journey, driving us to seek His presence above all else. [11:31]

- God's Presence Over Promised Land: Moses' refusal to enter the Promised Land without God's presence teaches us to prioritize God's presence over earthly blessings. True fulfillment comes not from material success but from being in communion with God, even if it means staying in the wilderness. [12:09]

- Reverence in Worship: The meticulous worship practices of the Old Testament remind us of the importance of reverence. In the New Testament, this reverence is elevated, calling us to worship God with awe, recognizing Him as a consuming fire. Our gatherings should focus on seeking God's glory, not personal preferences. [27:54]

- God's Dual Nature: Understanding God's nature as both loving and just is crucial. He is capable of wrath against sin but is also merciful to those who earnestly seek Him. This duality should lead us to a deeper reverence and awe in our relationship with Him. [07:18]

- Biblical Narrative of Dwelling with God: The entire Bible is about God dwelling with humanity, from Genesis to Revelation. Our longing for God's glory is part of this grand narrative, as we anticipate the day when we will fully experience His presence in the eternal state. [19:36]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Opening Prayer
[01:04] - Three Wishes Reflection
[02:28] - Moses' Desire for God's Glory
[03:51] - The Golden Calf Incident
[05:08] - God's Offer and Warning
[06:43] - God's Dual Nature
[08:12] - Consequences of Rebellion
[10:58] - Moses' Plea for God's Presence
[12:51] - The Heart's True Desire
[15:03] - Reverence in Worship
[17:53] - Moses' Continued Longing
[19:36] - The Biblical Narrative
[21:28] - Church's True Purpose
[23:15] - Seeking God's Glory
[30:10] - Scripture Reading and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 33:1-23
- Exodus 34:1-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Moses' request to God in Exodus 33:18, and how did God respond to it? [11:31]
2. In Exodus 33:3, God offers the Israelites the Promised Land but with a significant condition. What was that condition, and why was it significant? [05:28]
3. How did the Israelites react when they heard that God would not go with them to the Promised Land? [31:55]
4. What does Exodus 34:6-7 reveal about God's character, and how does it relate to the dual nature of God discussed in the sermon? [36:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Moses prioritized God's presence over the Promised Land. What does this reveal about his understanding of true fulfillment and success? [12:09]
2. The sermon mentioned the meticulous worship practices of the Old Testament. How does this compare to the call for reverence in worship today, as highlighted in Hebrews 12? [27:54]
3. How does the narrative of God dwelling with humanity from Genesis to Revelation shape our understanding of the purpose of our spiritual journey? [19:36]
4. The sermon emphasized God's dual nature as both loving and just. How should this understanding affect our relationship with God and our approach to sin? [07:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual desires. Do you find yourself content with your spiritual experiences, or do you yearn for a deeper encounter with God like Moses did? How can you cultivate a greater desire for God's presence in your daily life? [11:31]
2. Consider the priorities in your life. Are there areas where you have placed earthly blessings above God's presence? What steps can you take to realign your priorities to seek God's presence first? [12:09]
3. How can you incorporate a greater sense of reverence and awe in your personal worship practices? Are there specific changes you can make in your approach to worship that reflect the seriousness of God's holiness? [27:54]
4. In what ways can you better understand and embrace the dual nature of God as both loving and just? How does this understanding impact your view of God's actions in your life and the world? [07:18]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of longing for God's glory. How can you practically express this longing in your prayer life and spiritual practices? [19:36]
6. Reflect on the biblical narrative of God dwelling with humanity. How does this grand story influence your perspective on your relationship with God and your role in His plan? [19:36]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to seek God's glory in your life and community? How can you encourage others to join you in this pursuit? [21:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Yearning for God's Glory
In Exodus 33, Moses' plea to see God's glory is a profound expression of his deep desire for a closer encounter with the divine. Despite having witnessed numerous miracles and having a unique relationship with God, Moses was not content with past experiences. This longing for more of God's presence challenges us to examine our own spiritual desires. Are we satisfied with our current relationship with God, or do we yearn for a deeper, more intimate connection? This desire should be a driving force in our spiritual journey, pushing us to seek God's presence above all else. [11:31]

Exodus 33:18-19 (ESV): "Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.' And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.'"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper longing for God's presence in your daily life?


Day 2: Prioritizing God's Presence
Moses' refusal to enter the Promised Land without God's presence is a powerful testament to the importance of prioritizing spiritual communion over material blessings. The Israelites were offered the land flowing with milk and honey, yet Moses understood that true fulfillment comes from being in God's presence, even if it means remaining in the wilderness. This narrative challenges us to evaluate our own priorities. Are we more focused on earthly success and comfort, or do we value God's presence above all else? True contentment is found in communion with God, regardless of our circumstances. [12:09]

Psalm 84:10 (ESV): "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have prioritized earthly success over God's presence. How can you realign your priorities to seek Him first?


Day 3: Reverence in Worship
The meticulous worship practices of the Old Testament serve as a reminder of the importance of reverence in our worship today. In the New Testament, this call to reverence is elevated, urging us to worship God with awe, recognizing Him as a consuming fire. Our gatherings should not be about personal preferences or comforts but about seeking God's glory. This reverence is not just about external practices but an internal posture of the heart, acknowledging God's holiness and majesty. As we gather to worship, let us focus on honoring God above all else. [27:54]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of reverence in your personal and communal worship practices this week?


Day 4: Understanding God's Dual Nature
Understanding God's nature as both loving and just is crucial for a balanced relationship with Him. He is capable of wrath against sin but is also merciful to those who earnestly seek Him. This duality should lead us to a deeper reverence and awe in our relationship with God. Recognizing His justice and mercy helps us appreciate the depth of His love and the seriousness of sin. As we reflect on God's nature, let us be moved to seek His mercy and live in a way that honors His holiness. [07:18]

Nahum 1:3 (ESV): "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of God's justice and mercy in your daily walk with Him?


Day 5: The Grand Narrative of Dwelling with God
The entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation, is about God dwelling with humanity. This grand story is about restoring the relationship between God and man, culminating in an eternal existence with Him. Our longing for God's glory is part of this narrative, as we anticipate the day when we will fully experience His presence. This hope should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on our relationship with God and His ultimate plan for humanity. Let us groan with anticipation for the day when we will dwell with Him forever. [19:36]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of dwelling with God eternally influence your daily decisions and priorities?

Quotes

"If God were to grant us three wishes, would seeing His glory be among them? Moses, despite his extraordinary experiences with God, yearned for more of His presence, illustrating a deep hunger that should resonate within us. This longing should be a central part of our spiritual journey, driving us to seek His presence above all else." [00:01:04]

"Moses' refusal to enter the Promised Land without God's presence teaches us to prioritize God's presence over earthly blessings. True fulfillment comes not from material success but from being in communion with God, even if it means staying in the wilderness." [00:12:51]

"The meticulous worship practices of the Old Testament remind us of the importance of reverence. In the New Testament, this reverence is elevated, calling us to worship God with awe, recognizing Him as a consuming fire. Our gatherings should focus on seeking God's glory, not personal preferences." [00:27:54]

"Understanding God's nature as both loving and just is crucial. He is capable of wrath against sin but is also merciful to those who earnestly seek Him. This duality should lead us to a deeper reverence and awe in our relationship with Him." [00:07:18]

"The entire Bible is about God dwelling with humanity, from Genesis to Revelation. Our longing for God's glory is part of this grand narrative, as we anticipate the day when we will fully experience His presence in the eternal state." [00:19:36]

"Moses said, 'Please show me your glory,' and he says, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name, the Lord. And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.'" [00:11:31]

"Moses' plea for God's presence challenges us to examine our own desires. Are we content with our current spiritual experiences, or do we yearn for a deeper encounter with God? This longing should be a central part of our spiritual journey." [00:15:03]

"God's offer to the Israelites to enter the Promised Land without His presence serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing God's presence over earthly blessings. Moses' response highlights the value of communion with God above all else." [00:05:08]

"The narrative of the Israelites' journey and God's dual nature as both loving and just reminds us of the importance of reverence in our worship. Our gatherings should not be about personal preferences or comforts but about seeking God's presence and glory." [00:23:15]

"As we long for God's glory, we are reminded that the entire biblical narrative is about God dwelling with humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the story is about restoring the relationship between God and man, culminating in an eternal existence with Him." [00:30:10]

"Moses' continued longing for God's glory, despite his extraordinary experiences, challenges us to examine our own desires. Are we content with our current spiritual experiences, or do we yearn for a deeper encounter with God?" [00:17:53]

"The meticulous worship practices of the Old Testament remind us of the importance of reverence. In the New Testament, this reverence is elevated, calling us to worship God with awe, recognizing Him as a consuming fire." [00:21:28]

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Transcript
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