Day 53: Embracing God's Presence and Grace

Biblical Principle:

God goes with His people because of His grace. Wherever God calls, He accompanies and directs His people. This truth, deeply rooted in Scripture, brings great assurance to those who follow Him. It’s evident in Exodus 33:12-17, where Moses while leading the Israelites, pleads for God's presence to go with them. Let's dive into the passage and see what God reveals through His interaction with Moses.

In Exodus 33, we find Moses at a pivotal moment. After leading the people out of Egypt, Moses faces the daunting task of guiding people who are rebellious and often disobedient. He knows that they will not make it through the journey ahead without God's direction and presence.

Moses says to God, “See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight” (Exodus 33:12). Moses is acknowledging the weight of the responsibility that lies before him, but he also reminds God of the grace He’s shown him. He’s essentially saying, "God, you’ve chosen me, and I need Your presence to guide us."

God responds with great reassurance: “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14). For Moses and us, the idea that God’s presence goes with His people is more than just a promise—it’s a guarantee. The very presence of God brings peace, rest, and assurance. This presence sets God's people apart from the rest of the world.

Recognizing the significance of God’s presence, Moses responds passionately: “If thy presence goes not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). He understands that without God's presence, there is no point in moving forward. God’s presence marks His people as distinct, holy and favored. “For wherein shall it be known here that thy people and I have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us?” (Exodus 33:16). This is the heart of the matter: without God, we are nothing. His presence is what makes us different, what makes us His.

Finally, God reassures Moses again: “I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:17). The grace that Moses found in God’s sight wasn’t earned—it was a gift. God’s grace is always unearned, yet it’s always available to those who humbly seek it.

Practical Application:

How often do we long for God's grace yet forget to approach Him with humility? The truth is, we can’t expect God’s favor unless we humble ourselves before Him. “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). It’s easy to get caught up in our ambitions or to feel self-sufficient in our walk with God, but pride only distances us from His grace.

Moses’ humility in Exodus 33 is a model for us. He doesn't demand God’s presence but earnestly seeks it. He recognizes that, without God, they would be nothing. In 1 Peter 5:6, we’re told, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” The key to receiving God’s grace is submission. Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves but of ourselves less. It’s about recognizing that God’s power, wisdom, and direction are far greater than our own. And it’s only in this place of humility can we truly experience the rest and peace that comes from His presence.

What does this look like in your life?

1.     Acknowledge your need for God’s presence. Like Moses, you may face a journey that feels too big to tackle alone. Do you admit that you need God’s guidance in everything you do? Do you desire His presence more than anything else?

2.     Submit to His direction. God will go with you, but are you willing to follow Him wherever He leads? Trusting His leading is essential to receiving His grace.

3.     Humble yourself. Are you approaching God humbly, or are you trying to navigate life alone? God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Acknowledging your dependence on Him opens the door to His grace.

Closing Thought:

Moses' interaction with God in Exodus 33 reminds us that God's grace is a gift, not something we can earn. His presence is the greatest blessing we can receive, and it’s available to those who humble themselves before Him. As we seek to follow God’s call, may we be reminded that His grace is not only a comfort but the very thing that empowers us to walk with Him, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

May we continually seek God’s presence, knowing His grace is sufficient and His direction will never fail us.