Moses
– Freeing
Yourself to Know God
·
Do
we ever stop and consider the difference between the experience of learning about
God and the experience of getting to know God? Do we ever let the Holy
Spirit touch our hearts, and not just our heads?
·
Through
this crisis here at the foot of Mt. Sinai, we see Moses' relationship with God
reach a new level of intimacy. God was so angry He wanted to destroy the
Israelites, but Moses pleaded for them, and God actually changed His mind.
·
However,
God made it clear that the sin had its consequences. God said He would not go
with them any further (33:3) He would no longer manifest His glory as in the
pillar of cloud and fire. He would not personally dwell among them
·
Finally,
something got the attention of the Israelites. They were distressed by this
news (33:4-6)
·
Though
God said He would no longer go with the Hebrews, He was still available. Before
the tabernacle was constructed, Moses put up a tent outside the camp (33:7-9)
God is always available to those who sincerely desire a close fellowship with
Him. Obedience is the key, though. (See Rom. 12:1-2; what do these familiar verses
say is necessary to meet with God?)
·
Moses
had a special relationship with God. Remember Jethro's advice, that Moses
should be a mediator between Israel and God. Moses had that special closeness
with God. But now we see that relationship deepen. Moses communicated with God
as a friend (33:11) What's more, God listened to Moses!
·
Moses
expressed a desire to learn more about God's ways (33:12,13), God said He would
be near Moses. But, Moses asked that God not withdraw His presence from all the
people (33:15) How far Moses has come, from how will I do it, to how can
we do it without God! Also, Moses recognized that if the people wouldn't
listen to God, why would they listen to Moses (33:16)
·
Upon
God's reassurance, Moses requested to see God's glory (33:18) Why?
·
God
said it was not possible to look on Him directly, but there was another way
(33:19-23)
·
God
appears there on Mt. Sinai again, and notice Moses' reaction (34:9)
·
God
makes a new covenant with Moses, and promises to do wonderful things (34:10).
But, God would not tolerate idolatry. Israel would need to take steps to
distance themselves from pagan influences (34:13-17) Failure would bring
serious consequences (Deut. 4:23-28)
·
Do
we realize what a privilege we have as Christians? Think of this awesome holy
experience Moses had with God. We can have that same face to face meeting with
God through Christ!!! (See Hebrews 4:14-16) We don't need to go to a tent on
the outskirts of town to find God.
#1) God has made it possible for
all people to enter into His presence and to meet with Him "face to
face"
#2) God is merciful and wants to
live in constant fellowship with His children
For
next week read Exodus 34:27-35
