Daily Devotions
Exodus
"I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them." Hosea 11:4
Text: Exodus 33 : 15-16
MORE TO PRAYER THAN JUST ANSWERS
Moses had wonderful answers from the Lord! He was really glad and thankful that his prayers had not been uttered in vain! But Moses, being the man of God that he was, knew that there was more to prayer than just having answers. Thus he prayed yet again.
“Then he said to Him, ‘If Your presence does not go with us,
do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known
that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight,
except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I,
from all people who are upon the face of the earth.'”
EXODUS 33:15-16
1. Valuing the Presence of God
Moses was deeply touched by God’s answer! His heart was moved to respond with an impassioned expression of love.
He just had to tell God that His Promised Presence was all that mattered. It wasn’t the Promised Land that was important. Inheriting the land without the Presence of God held little significance.
2. More assurance desired
Again and again Moses emphasized the place of Israel. Note the repetition of this thought in the following phrases!
a) The use of the first person plural pronoun – “us” (three times)
b) The phrase, “Your people and I” (twice)
Moses desired to hear God speak of Israel! Would the Lord not speak of Israel, and not only of Moses?
3. “So we shall be separate”
The word “separate” speaks volumes! Two connotations may be highlighted:-
a) Distinct from all others on earth
b) Specially set aside as an object of God’s grace and love
SOUNDING THE DEPTHS
Moses was privileged to have stood in the Presence of God. He desired that that same privilege be given to Israel as well! Would God hear this prayer? What a wonderful glimpse we have of the depths of prayer!