Tuesday, June 30, 2015

My Presence Shall Go With Thee

(#222, Yermo, 1944; Watchnight service, 1949)
Read Exodus 32:30-33:6,12-17.

Consider the setting of the text as it relates to our setting.  Looking back in retrospect (as we do to 1939) they could see discouragement, failure, complaint, the sin of turning to the golden calf.  Yet God's blessings -- his mercies -- to the children of Israel stand out like stars in a dark night.

Looking ahead in prospect they could see an impossible task, that of conquering Canaan.  Moses must have the presence of the Lord.  God promised Moses: "My presence shall go with thee." We too have this promise (Matthew 28:20).

Think about these simple truths...
ƒ    Whose presence?  God's presence!
The all powerful, all sufficient, all wise, all knowing God, the One who made the world, including man.

ƒ    His presence with us where?
On the journey ... in the wilderness ... before the enemies ... into the promised land.

ƒ    His presence for what?  REST...
w   from the perplexity by giving guidance.
w   from apprehension by guarding.
w   from anxiety by providing.
w   from sorrow by giving comfort.

ƒ    His presence is a means of power.
I can do all things through Him.
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt into Canaan because of God's presence.
Gideon with 300 conquered thousands because of God's presence.
David killed the giant.
Jeremiah, when called to face terrible wickedness, was told "I am with thee to deliver thee."

Let us make sure the Lord is with us, in power.  How shall we know this?  We shall be a separated people (Ex. 33:16).
 
We are appointed to service and the promise is, "Lo, I am with you alway."

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