Connect Exodus 33:17 to other scriptures about God's favor and presence. The Heart of Exodus 33:17 “So the LORD answered Moses, ‘I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.’” (Exodus 33:17) God links two priceless gifts—favor and personal, abiding presence. When God looks with favor, He also draws near. Favor Unpacked Across Scripture • Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” God’s pleasure rescued Noah from judgment. • Psalm 5:12 – “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; You surround him with favor as a shield.” Favor functions as protective armor. • Proverbs 3:3–4 – Loving devotion and faithfulness cultivate favor “in the sight of God and man.” • Psalm 84:11 – “The LORD God … bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Favor carries tangible provision. • Luke 1:28 – “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Divine favor ushers in the Lord’s intimate nearness. Presence Promised: The Companion of Favor • Exodus 33:14 – “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Favor leads to restful companionship. • Deuteronomy 4:37 – Love moved God to choose Israel and bring them out “by His Presence.” • Joshua 1:9 – The promise “the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” empowers courage. • Psalm 23:4 – Even in death-shadowed valleys, “You are with me.” Presence removes fear. • Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always.” The risen Christ extends the same assurance Moses received. • Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Presence becomes the believer’s lifelong guarantee. Seeing the Pattern 1. God’s favor identifies a person or people as His own. 2. That favor is immediately partnered with His active presence. 3. Where His presence abides, protection, guidance, and blessing flow. 4. The pattern runs unbroken from Genesis through Revelation, culminating in God dwelling forever with His people (Revelation 21:3). New-Covenant Fulfillment • John 14:17 – The Spirit “will be in you,” making God’s presence internal and constant. • Ephesians 1:6 – Believers are “accepted in the Beloved,” living in unearned favor through Christ. • 2 Corinthians 6:16 – “I will dwell and walk among them; and I will be their God.” The church becomes the living temple of presence and favor. Living in the Reality of Favor and Presence • Rest securely, knowing God’s favor is not a fleeting emotion but a covenant position in Christ. • Walk confidently, aware that His presence travels with you into every task and setting. • Respond with obedience and worship, echoing Moses’ choice to value God’s nearness above all else. |
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