Connect Exodus 33:15 with Matthew 28:20 on God's presence with believers. God’s Presence—Our Non-Negotiable Need • Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here.” • Moses recognizes that success, blessing, or even the Promised Land itself means nothing without the Lord Himself. • The verse reveals a heart posture: better to remain in the wilderness with God than to enter Canaan without Him. The Fulfillment of That Need in Christ • Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Jesus, God incarnate, pledges the very companionship Moses once begged for. • The Greek phrase pasas tas hēmeras (“all the days”) underscores uninterrupted, day-by-day nearness. A Thread of Presence from Sinai to the Great Commission 1. Old Testament longing – Exodus 33:15: Moses pleads. – Joshua 1:5: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Psalm 23:4: “You are with me.” 2. Prophetic anticipation – Isaiah 7:14: “Immanuel”—God with us. 3. New Testament realization – Matthew 1:23 introduces Jesus as Immanuel. – Matthew 28:20 closes the Gospel with Jesus promising the same abiding presence. How Jesus Delivers on the Promise • Through His Spirit – John 14:16-18: The Spirit is given “to be with you forever… I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” • Through His Word – Hebrews 4:12: the living, active Word brings Christ near when read, heard, and obeyed. • Through His Body (the Church) – 1 Corinthians 12:27: believers are Christ’s body; His presence is experienced in gathered fellowship. • Through Every Circumstance – Romans 8:38-39: nothing—life, death, powers, or distance—can sever us from His love. Practical Implications for Believers Today • Confidence in mission – The Great Commission is framed by Christ’s authority (v.18) and His presence (v.20); we go, teach, and baptize knowing He goes too. • Courage in trials – Hebrews 13:5-6 echoes Joshua 1:5; therefore, “we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.’” • Contentment over circumstances – Like Moses, we value God’s company above ease or success. • Continual communion – Prayer, Scripture meditation, worship, and obedience keep us consciously aware of the One who is already with us. Living in His Nearness • Begin each day acknowledging His promised presence. • Memorize Matthew 28:20 and Exodus 33:15; let them shape your outlook. • When facing decisions, ask: “Is His presence my primary pursuit?” • Encourage fellow believers with these truths, reminding them that the same God who guided Israel now walks beside every disciple—always, to the very end of the age. |
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