Introduction

Israel has just committed the terrible sin of the golden calf (Ex 32). God would have destroyed them if not for Moses’ intercession. Then God says He will send an angel, but He Himself will not go with them. Moses knows the Promised Land is meaningless without the Presence of God.

1. Moses Found Grace in God’s Sight (vv. 12–13)

“You have said, ‘I know you by name… you have found favor with Me.’” Israel sinned grievously. Yet Moses stood before God and found grace. God’s grace does not ignore sin, but meets us in sin to restore us.

Moses’ heart cry: “Show me Your ways that I may know You.” Moses wanted God’s ways so he can lead God’s people the right way.

2. Moses Interceded for a Sinful People (vv. 14–16)

He pleaded for a nation that just rebelled. True leaders don’t give up on God’s people — they intercede.

Moses prayed for one thing: Your Presence — “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

“I don’t want the Promised Land (Blessings) without the Promise-Giver.”

The evidence of God’s favor is His Presence, not prosperity or anything else. God Himself dwelling among them is the greatest blessing.

3. Moses Wanted God’s Presence More Than Anything Else (v. 15)

The Promised Land is worthless without God.

• Milk & honey but no God → empty.
• Blessing without God → meaningless.
• Success without God → hollow.

God’s Presence is better than the blessings.
The Giver is better than the gifts.

4. God’s Presence Brings True Rest (v. 14)

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Rest = God’s shalom — Peace, Protection, Provision, Guidance, Security, Strength in weakness, Assurance in the journey.

Deut 29:5–6 — God led them in the wilderness for 40 years and they lacked nothing. Clothes did not wear out. Feet did not swell. Water came from the Rock. Manna from heaven.

Christ Himself followed them (1 Cor 10:3–4). God’s Presence sustained them every day.

When God is with you, you are at rest and will lack nothing.

5. Call to Personal Response — Believe God Now

Don’t be like Pharaoh who wanted deliverance from the plague of frogs but only wanted it “TOMORROW”. How foolish!

Don’t postpone your deliverance or help from God. 2 Cor 6:2 — “Now is the day of salvation.”

God’s Presence is received by faith: Heb 11:1 — Faith is now. Faith is present. Faith believes God is here.

Conclusion

God’s Presence is the greatest treasure of the believer and the Church.

“Lord, if Your Presence does not go with me, I don’t want to move.”

Where God’s Presence is, there is rest, provision, guidance, mercy & grace and His victory.

Let us seek Him now. TODAY. Not tomorrow.

Reflection Questions

• How conscious are you of God’s presence?
• What difference has God’s presence made in your life?
• How can you enjoy God’s abiding presence?