The Presence of God

 

“If Your Presence Will Not Go With Us”: The One Thing That Matters Most - Exodus 33

Dear Friends, Exodus 33 is one of the most intimate and powerful chapters in the Old Testament. The children of Israel had just committed a terrible sin by worshipping the golden calf. God was angry and told Moses that He would send an angel to lead them into the Promised Land, but He Himself would not go with them because they were a stiff-necked people.

Moses’ response is remarkable. He went to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp and pleaded with God:

“If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favour in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct from all other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16 ESV)

Moses understood something vital: God’s presence was more important than the Promised Land itself. Without God’s presence, even the greatest blessing would be empty. God graciously responded, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (v. 14).

Then Moses made one of the boldest requests in the Bible: “Please show me your glory” (v. 18). God answered by allowing Moses to see His back as He passed by, while protecting Moses in the cleft of the rock.

This chapter reveals the heart of true worship and spiritual leadership. Moses was not satisfied with success, victory, or even the Promised Land — he wanted God Himself. He wanted to know God more intimately and to have His presence with them above everything else.

For us as Christians today, Exodus 33 speaks powerfully. In a world obsessed with success, comfort, and achievement, we are reminded that nothing — no ministry, no blessing, no answered prayer — matters more than the presence of God in our lives. Like Moses, we should cry out, “Lord, if Your presence does not go with me, I do not want to go.”

Pause & Pray: Take time right now in God’s presence. Read Exodus 33:12-17 slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit:

“Lord, am I more concerned about Your blessings than Your presence?”

Pray Moses’ prayer: “If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring me up from here.” Ask the Lord to make His presence real to you today and to show you more of His glory.

Verse to Remember: “And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14 ESV)

Question to Consider: Is there an area of your life right now where you are moving forward, but you are not sure God’s presence is really with you? What would change if you made God’s presence your highest priority this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church