How can we seek God's presence as Moses did in Exodus 33? Stepping Into the Cleft: Moses’ Moment and Ours “When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.” (Exodus 33:22) Why Moses Wanted More • Fresh from the golden-calf disaster, Moses knew Israel needed more than miracles—they needed God Himself. • He prayed, “Please show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18), refusing to move without the Lord’s presence (v. 15). • God answered by granting a protected, personal encounter. The “cleft of the rock” became a living picture of safe intimacy with the Almighty. What the Cleft Teaches Us About Seeking God 1. Relational, not ritual: Moses talked “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (v. 11). Presence is pursued through relationship. 2. God-initiated safety: The LORD placed Moses in the rock and covered him with His hand. We never barge in; He graciously makes the approach possible (cf. Hebrews 4:16). 3. Glory revealed at God’s pace: Moses saw only what the LORD allowed. Seeking God means surrendering to His timing and measure. Practical Ways to Seek His Presence Today • Ask boldly – Like Moses, articulate your longing: “Show me Your glory.” – Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • Withdraw intentionally – Moses pitched the tent of meeting “outside the camp” (Exodus 33:7). – Follow Jesus’ pattern: “When you pray, go into your inner room, shut the door” (Matthew 6:6). – Schedule solitude; silence the phone; step outside the camp of distraction. • Wait expectantly – Psalm 27:14 urges, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” – Practice lingering after reading Scripture, allowing the Spirit to apply truth to your heart. • Treasure the Word – God revealed His “goodness” and “name” (Exodus 33:19). Today He reveals Himself through the written Word. – Read until a verse grips you; meditate, personalize, obey. • Draw near in worship – Psalm 95:2: “Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving”. – Sing, journal gratitude, or simply voice praise aloud—adoration clears the fog. • Walk in daily obedience – God continued to meet Moses because Moses continued to follow His commands (Exodus 34:1-9). – James 4:8 couples nearness with cleansing: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you… purify your hearts.” Resting in the True Rock • The cleft foreshadows Christ: “That rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). • In Him we are hidden—“your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). • Through His sacrifice we enjoy what Moses could only glimpse: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14). Cultivating a Lifestyle of Presence • Start the day acknowledging His nearness—before checking messages, say, “Your presence will go with me, and You will give me rest” (adapted from Exodus 33:14). • Sprinkle short pauses through the day: a silent elevator ride, a parked-car minute, a sunset glance turned into worship. • End each night reviewing where you sensed Him and where you missed Him; thank, confess, realign. The Promise Still Stands “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) As surely as the Lord placed Moses in the cleft, He invites every believer to step into the Rock, linger under His hand, and live in the light of His passing glory—until, finally, faith becomes sight. |
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