Longing for God's Presence: Grace and Worship
Summary
In the narrative of Exodus 33 and 34, a profound exploration of God's character and the human condition unfolds. The story begins with the Israelites facing the consequences of their sin, which has led to a separation from God's presence. Despite the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, the people are devastated by the prospect of losing God's presence among them. This deep longing for God's presence over any material blessing is a central theme.
Moses, as the mediator between God and the people, pleads with God not to abandon them. His bold request for God's presence reveals a heart that values divine companionship above all else. In response to Moses' intercession, God graciously agrees to go with the people, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to forgive.
The narrative reaches a climax when Moses asks to see God's glory. This request comes from a place of desperation for reassurance of God's forgiveness and presence. God's response is to reveal His character to Moses, emphasizing His mercy, grace, and steadfast love. This revelation is significant because it comes at a time when the people need to be reminded of God's forgiving nature.
The story also touches on the tension between God's holiness and grace. The conundrum of how God can be both just and forgiving is resolved at the cross of Christ. It is here that God's justice and mercy meet, where sin is both punished and forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice.
The narrative concludes with a call to worship and follow God in response to His gracious invitation. The people are faced with a choice: to live with God's presence or to live apart from it. The text invites readers to consider the value of God's presence in their lives and the disastrous consequences of sin, which can lead to separation from God.
The story of Exodus 33 and 34 serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to be with His people and the lengths to which He will go to restore a broken relationship. It challenges individuals to consider their own desire for God's presence and to respond with worship and obedience.
Key Takeaways:
- The longing for God's presence overflows from a recognition that the greatest gift one can receive is not the blessings of God, but God Himself. This desire for divine companionship is a reflection of a heart that understands the true value of a relationship with the Creator. The narrative of Exodus 33 and 34 illustrates this through the Israelites' reaction to the possibility of losing God's presence, despite the promise of material prosperity. [49:26]
- The tension between God's justice and mercy is a profound theological conundrum that finds its resolution in the cross of Christ. The cross is the place where God's demand for justice is satisfied through the sacrifice of Jesus, while His mercy is extended to sinners. This paradoxical union of justice and mercy at the cross is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering a deep insight into the nature of God's love and holiness. [01:15:18]
- The act of worship is an appropriate and necessary response to the revelation of God's character. When confronted with the reality of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, the only fitting reaction is to bow down in worship and submission, acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning oneself with His will. This act of worship is a declaration of God's worthiness and a commitment to follow Him. [01:17:38]
- The narrative of Exodus 33 and 34 serves as a reminder that God's presence is not something to be taken for granted. The disastrous consequences of sin, which can lead to separation from God, are a sobering reality. This truth calls for a careful examination of one's life and actions, understanding that sin is never worth the cost of losing intimacy with God. [51:08]
- The promise of God's presence with His people is a profound aspect of the Christian faith. The assurance that God is with believers, through the highs and lows of life, provides comfort and strength. This promise is not just for the future in heaven but is a present reality through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The presence of God is the believer's greatest treasure and source of hope. [59:04]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 33:1-23
- Exodus 34:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the Israelites' reaction when they heard that God would not go with them to the Promised Land? ([46:42])
2. How did Moses intercede on behalf of the Israelites, and what was his main request to God? ([54:44])
3. What attributes of God did He reveal to Moses when He passed by him? ([43:42])
4. What did Moses do immediately after God revealed His character to him? ([44:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the Israelites consider the news of God not going with them to be a "disastrous word"? ([46:42])
2. What does Moses' request to see God's glory reveal about his understanding of God's presence and forgiveness? ([42:18])
3. How does the tension between God's justice and mercy, as described in the sermon, find its resolution at the cross of Christ? ([01:15:18])
4. What does Moses' act of worship and confession after God's revelation teach us about the appropriate response to God's grace and mercy? ([44:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did that affect your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to seek His presence more earnestly? ([49:02])
2. Moses valued God's presence over the material blessings of the Promised Land. In what ways do you prioritize God's presence in your life over material or worldly gains? ([54:44])
3. The sermon highlighted the disastrous consequences of sin leading to separation from God. Are there any areas in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and restoration? ([51:08])
4. How can you cultivate a deeper desire for God's presence in your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to make this a reality? ([55:46])
5. The cross of Christ is where God's justice and mercy meet. How does this understanding impact your view of God's character and your relationship with Him? ([01:15:18])
6. Moses' immediate response to God's revelation was worship and confession. How can you incorporate these practices into your life when you experience God's grace and mercy? ([44:16])
7. The promise of God's presence provides comfort and strength. How can you remind yourself of this promise during challenging times? What specific scripture or prayer can you use to reinforce this truth? ([59:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Companionship Surpasses All
The deepest yearning of the human heart is for God Himself, not merely His blessings. Recognizing God as the ultimate treasure surpasses the allure of material prosperity. This desire for divine companionship is a reflection of a heart that understands the true value of a relationship with the Creator. [49:26]
Psalm 73:25-26 - "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: How does your desire for God compare to your desire for material blessings? What steps can you take to prioritize your relationship with God above all else?
Day 2: The Cross: Justice and Mercy Intertwined
The cross of Christ is the ultimate resolution to the tension between God's justice and mercy. It is where sin is punished and forgiven, showcasing God's profound love and holiness. This paradoxical union of justice and mercy at the cross is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering a deep insight into the nature of God's love and holiness. [01:15:18]
Romans 3:25-26 - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
Reflection: How does the cross shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy? In what ways can you live out the implications of Christ's sacrifice in your daily life?
Day 3: Worship as a Response to Divine Revelation
When confronted with the reality of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, the only fitting reaction is to bow down in worship and submission. This act of worship is a declaration of God's worthiness and a commitment to follow Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning oneself with His will. [01:17:38]
Psalm 95:6-7 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Reflection: What aspect of God's character revealed in Scripture leads you to worship Him most deeply? How can you incorporate more intentional acts of worship into your daily routine?
Day 4: Sin's Costly Separation from God
The disastrous consequences of sin, which can lead to separation from God, are a sobering reality. This truth calls for a careful examination of one's life and actions, understanding that sin is never worth the cost of losing intimacy with God. The presence of God is not something to be taken for granted. [51:08]
Isaiah 59:2 - "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where sin is causing separation from God? What steps can you take to address these areas and seek reconciliation with God?
Day 5: The Assurance of God's Abiding Presence
The promise of God's presence with His people is a profound aspect of the Christian faith. The assurance that God is with believers, through the highs and lows of life, provides comfort and strength. This promise is not just for the future in heaven but is a present reality through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [59:04]
Hebrews 13:5-6 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
Reflection: How does the reality of God's constant presence in your life change the way you face challenges? What can you do to cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily activities?
Quotes
1) "The worst thing that could ever happen to you is for you to go one day without the presence of God." [49:26] (Download)
2) "God wants to do far more for you than make you rich or cure your cancer. God wants to give himself to you." [58:30] (Download)
3) "The greatest thing that God has ever given you is himself. And the worst thing that could ever happen to you is for you to lose the presence of God in your life." [48:50] (Download)
4) "God, if your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. If we get everything, the best this world has to offer, but we don't get you, then just leave us at this mountain and let us die." [55:24] (Download)
5) "Jesus promises to you something infinitely greater than heaven. Jesus promises to you something even greater than the forgiveness of your sins. The gospel promises to you, brothers and sisters, the very presence of God in your life." [57:24] (Download)
6) "Do you want what God can give you? Or do you want God? It reminds me of a song that I love. You can have all this world. Just give me Jesus." [59:40] (Download)
7) "God, show me your glory again. I can relate to that, can't you? What Moses is doing here. Ever had those moments? Maybe you haven't verbalized it, but you've thought, has God really forgiven me?" [01:04:30] (Download)
8) "God doesn't rebuke your weak faith. He strengthens it. Moses wanted proof that God really had forgiven them. And God doesn't say, Moses, come on. I told you. Just believe me. Grow up, Moses. Get a little faith. God says, okay. I'll give you the proof." [01:07:42] (Download)
9) "God's not done with you. He's gracious. He's merciful. He's slow to anger. He's abounding in love to you and he's pouring it into your life through Jesus Christ." [01:16:26] (Download)
10) "God reveals himself to Moses in this way because he's bolstering up Moses and the people of Israel's faith. I'm a gracious God. I love you. I won't give up on you. I will forgive you for what you have done." [01:13:04] (Download)
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