How can we ensure God's presence in our lives, unlike Exodus 33:3? The Warning in Exodus 33:3 “Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” (Exodus 33:3) Israel’s rebellion threatened their fellowship with the LORD; His holiness could not accompany stubborn sin. Our desire is the opposite—God with us, every day. Why the LORD Withdrew • Stiff-necked hearts resisted His commands. • Persistent sin invited judgment rather than companionship. • Trust in gifts (“a land flowing with milk and honey”) replaced delight in the Giver. Heart Postures He Honors • Humble repentance – “Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11) – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Contrition and awe – “I dwell in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” (Isaiah 57:15) • Love-fueled obedience – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) Daily Practices That Invite Him • Draw near intentionally – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) • Stay in the Word – “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth… then you will prosper and succeed.” (Joshua 1:8) • Unbroken prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Guard holiness – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) New Covenant Assurance • Indwelling Spirit – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) • Constant companionship – “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) • Mutual abiding – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” (John 15:4) Living It Out Today 1. Start each day with honest confession and wholehearted surrender. 2. Open Scripture, listen, and align choices with what you read. 3. Keep short accounts—repent quickly when conviction comes. 4. Practice continual conversation with the Lord throughout ordinary moments. 5. Choose fellowship that stirs up love and obedience rather than compromise. Walk in Confidence When humility, obedience, and faith replace stiff-necked resistance, the promise holds: “We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) Live assured of His nearness, and every step—unlike Israel’s threatened journey—will be traveled with the living God at your side. |
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