How can we seek God's presence as Moses did in Exodus 33:21? Longing for His nearness Exodus 33 records Moses’ urgent plea: “Show me Your glory.” God answers with a gracious invitation: “The LORD continued, ‘There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock.’ ” (Exodus 33:21) The pattern Moses models • A holy dissatisfaction with distance • Bold yet humble petition for more of God • Willingness to leave the camp (comfort) for the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:7) • Submission to God’s terms—stand where He says, on the rock He provides Our Rock and access today • Christ is the Rock that was foreshadowed (1 Corinthians 10:4) • “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way… No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (John 14:6) • “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near.” (Hebrews 10:19-22) Ways to seek His presence – Draw near in repentance and faith “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) – Pursue purity of life “He who has clean hands and a pure heart… will stand in His holy place.” (Psalm 24:3-4) – Prioritize unhurried worship “One thing I have asked of the LORD… to dwell in the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 27:4) – Abide in Scripture “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105) – Welcome the Spirit’s help “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18) Practical daily steps • Begin with thanksgiving—enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4) • Set apart a physical “meeting place” or time, echoing Moses’ tent (Matthew 6:6) • Read, meditate, and respond to a passage; let His Word search you (Hebrews 4:12) • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9); reconcile with others (Matthew 5:23-24) • Turn everyday moments into brief prayers and songs (Psalm 95:2) • Journal evidences of His nearness—answers, convictions, comforts Expected fruit • Rest—“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) • Guidance—He still speaks from the mercy seat of His Word (John 10:27) • Transformation—beholding His glory shapes us into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18) Stand on the Rock God has provided, step toward Him with reverent expectancy, and the same faithful God who met Moses will meet you. |
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