GO NOT WITHOUT GOD
How important is God’s presence in your life? Is the presence of God a necessity? How important is it to you that you know God is with you? How important is God’s presence with you when you have to go in for surgery or an operation? How important is God’s presence when you’re 30,000+ feet in the air? How important is God’s presence when you lose a loved one? How important is God’s presence when your teen starts driving? How important is God’s presence in the church you’re looking to plant your family in? How important is God’s presence in your home? How important is God’s Word that goes along with His presence? In other words, how important is it that God is who He says He is and does what He says He will do? How important is it that a godly and faithful father is in your life? It’s very important! We can learn a lot about having a relationship with God by observing Moses’ experiences with God. There was so much to unpack from our scripture today that I am going to do part 2 next week. Today, we're going to see the importance of God’s presence.
Context: God promised His presence in Exodus 23:20-33, and He provided an angel to protect and guide them. They were even told not to rebel against this angel and to obey his instructions. If they were careful to obey the angel and not worship the gods of these pagan nations, God would go before them and drive out the people of the territories they were to occupy. The people agreed to this covenant. Then Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the two stone tablets and instructions for the tabernacle for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24-31). The people grew impatient because Moses had not come down from the mountain and decided to pressure Aaron to make some gods (a Gold calf) to lead them. Unfortunately, Aaron gave in, and people made offerings and sacrifices to the gold calf and then indulged in sinful activities. God saw and heard what they were doing and was ready to destroy all of them, but Moses interceded for them and asked for mercy. God relented and did not do what He had considered. When Moses came down the mountain and witnessed the sinful worship and activity, he burned with anger and dropped the stone tablets with the commandments on them. Already, the people had broken the covenant they made to God. Instead of the whole nation being wiped out, 3,000 who were guilty of the sin were killed, and then a great plague came upon the people. If that event wasn’t disturbing enough, Moses hears more bad news and pleads with God again…This is where we pick up in Exodus 33.
Exodus 33:1-6
Vs 1-3
Moses and the people hear words no one would want to hear in their situation: “I will not go with you.”
What the people don’t realize is this limited divine presence was for their own good because their sinfulness and stubbornness may result in more death if they remain in proximity to God.
The taking off of the ornaments is to humble themselves. Before the people had escaped Egypt, they had received jewelry from the Egyptians. This is the same jewelry they used to make a golden calf. Removing the jewelry to mourn is to say we are stripped of nothing before God and a way to say they need Him, not the things of this world.
In the ancient Near East, mourning tended to involve appearance, not just attitude, so that what one wore was a part of the appearance aspect of mourning. Nothing fancy could adorn a mourner because fancy dress was associated with cheerfulness. Stuart, D. K. (2006).Exodus (Vol. 2, pp. 691–692). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
For the rest of the Exodus and wilderness wandering, the Israelites dressed as if in mourning. They did not merely take off their jewelry while at Horeb (Sinai) but kept it off for the next forty years. Stuart, D. K. (2006).Exodus (Vol. 2, p. 693). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Exodus 33:7-11
Moses and God meet.
Verses 7-11 are giving us context for what takes place in verses 12-23.
Vs 7-10
God and Moses temporarily meet in a tent before the Tabernacle is built
We may assume that this tent would never have been invented or needed had not the idolatry of chap. 32 taken place and the close presence of God been withdrawn from Israel as a result. Stuart, D. K. (2006). Exodus (Vol. 2, pp. 695–696). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Moses is quickly learning one of his major roles: he is becoming an intercessor, a mediator, or go-between for the people and God, much like a priest does.
Notice the distance; this is on purpose. God, in His mercy, has not abandoned them; He just puts separation between them.
Moses will meet God and speak for them, and Moses will meet with God and speak to them, which is where we get prophecy. So Moses acts as a Priest, Prophet, and a Pastor (shepherd).
This gives us a look into the reverence and recognition of God that is coming from the people now. God is also revealing that He is still there and meeting with their leader. No longer does Moses meet with God up in a mountain obscure from the people’s view, but now they can witness Moses intercede for them, which strengthens their respect for him.
Vs 11
God and Moses speak face to face; like friends. The word “Face” in Hebrew, transliterated, is pā·nîm. It is not literal face-to-face, but a close encounter with God’s presence. God’s face can also be His favor, and His favor is toward Moses. If God’s face is turned away, it means God’s favor would not be with him or them.
I always loved the second half of this verse. Joshua, the soon-to-be commander of their army and would one day take over Moses, was already hungry and already seeing the value of meeting with God. Joshua was in training before he even realized it and knew how to stay around a little longer and get guidance of his own. Verses 7-11 are giving us context for what takes place in verses 12-23. The author (Moses) lets us know that God and Moses (and Joshua) had a close connection in this tent.
Exodus 33:12-23
Vs. 12-13 Moses is a little insecure about what lies ahead. He needs reassurance that God would go with them.
Moses wants to know God more and better understand His ways. What a great desire and one that becomes necessary with the call of leadership. Moses wasn’t just called to save the Israelites from Egypt, but now he would need to shepherd and lead them through the wilderness and into the promised land. This was no easy task.
But this applies to all of us. If we truly love and worship God, we will want to know His heart, His will, and His ways more. Moses’ desire is honorable, and God obliges.
Vs. 14-17 Moses is reassured that God will go with Him.
Moses sees they need God’s presence to go with them for two great reasons: favor and identity. What sets them apart from the world, from the surrounding pagan nations who worship false gods? God’s claim of them, and glory and power. What gives the people confidence to go forth? God’s favorable presence, being their God, on their side.
Moses doesn’t just pray for himself: he prays for His people. Something we see Jesus does too before His crucifixion. All good shepherds pray for their flock.
The combination of God’s loving mercy and Moses’ faithful, persistent prayer (cf. Luke 18:2–8) was paying off. God would now send more than just an angel; he would personally come with the Israelites, as will be defined in the coming verses. Stuart, D. K. (2006).Exodus (Vol. 2, p. 704). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
When do we have this assurance? When our faces are turned toward God, when we follow and obey God. When do we not have this assurance? When we turn away from God in our behavior. But if we turn back to God, we find mercy!
Vs. 18-23: Moses has a very personal experience in the presence of God
Moses is hungry to experience God in a personal way that he has not experienced yet. He’s close enough to God now that he asks to see God’s glory (different translations word it differently, but the Hebrew reveals a respectful approach).
God would permit a veiled experience of His glory but not face-to-face because no one can be face-to-face with God and live.
To “proclaim his name” is to reveal His character and essence, thus his ways; i.e., what he is like and what he expects his people to be like. Furthermore, to the request for a vision of his “glory” (v. 18) Yahweh responded with a promise to have “all [his] goodness” pass before Moses. These things would happen “in his presence,” but he would not let Moses “see [his] face,” lest he die from doing so. Stuart, D. K. (2006).Exodus (Vol. 2, p. 705). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Exodus 34:1-11 Moses experiences the glory of God
Moses experiences the glory of God, which is God’s attributes and characteristics of compassion, mercy, patience, unfailing love, justice, His immanence (active and close presence), and omnipotence (power).
It wasn’t so much what Moses experienced here that would be most helpful, but what Moses heard and learned from God’s Words that would carry Him through the journey. Moses was graced not only with an experience but an assurance of God’s goodness and faithfulness in the covenant to follow. God promises His faithfulness, an ongoing experience!
Application:
We’re not seeking an experience; we’re seeking God’s presence
And when you seek Him, you will recognize His presence because you’ll experience His character and glory!
God’s presence is greater than His presents
The shocking part of Exodus 33 is that Israel was still being offered the Promised Land. They would still get the land, the protection, the provision, and the victory, but they would have to settle for further distance from God and only an angel to go with them. But Moses wouldn’t settle for that because he knew God’s presence is greater than the blessing! The greatest gift God gives us is not what He provides; it’s Himself. What He provides with His presence is a bonus. God with them-who could be against them! God with us, who could be against us!? With God will come many things, but only with God!
Think about this:
Have I become more interested in what God can do for me than in knowing God Himself?
Do I value God’s presence more than His blessings?
Would I still pursue God if He stopped answering my prayers the way I wanted?
Be a good dad. Be a good mom. Be a good friend. Be a good employee. Be a good citizen. But be all these things with God, and you’ll be a Godly dad, mom, friend, employee, and citizen.
Do we go about our lives with God, or do we go forward on our own? You shouldn’t, and you don’t have to!
It is no easy task to be a Godly father and husband, a Godly mother and wife, a Godly parent, a Godly son or daughter. It’s not easy to be a disciple of Christ and make disciples. But God’s presence, His grace, and His power are all available. God is there for those who seek, trust, and follow Him. Go not without God
God’s Presence Distinguishes God’s People
Moses says: “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” (Exodus 33:15-16). The distinguishing mark of God’s people is not talent, success, power, or wealth. It is God’s presence.
We learned last week that God said, “You will be my people, and I will be your God.”
Our identity is found in God because we belong to God. God revealed who we are to be, how we are to live, and even our future when He revealed His character and plan for us in the Word.
Just as Israel was distinguished by God's presence, believers are set apart by their relationship with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are God’s children, and we are meant to live in His will and reflect His glory, his character in this world. We are people of His presence.
The old preacher, J.C. Ryle said, “Never make an intimate friend of anyone who is not a friend of God.” Is God’s presence in your girlfriend or boyfriend’s life more important than his or her looks? When searching for a church, is God’s presence a priority? In choosing a college, career, job? Is God in it or is He left out?
What distinguishes my life from the world around me? Would people see evidence that I am a child of God? Does God shape my attitudes, ambitions, and relationships? Do I go to God for my identity?
Moses refused to move forward without God. Will we? Before making decisions. Before pursuing opportunities. Before chasing success. Before navigating difficulties. Before deciding who you are. Ask: “Is God with me? Am I going with God? Because the safest, strongest, and most fulfilling place to be is wherever God’s presence is and wherever He is leading.
How do we know if God is present? Because His presence…His character and glory are distinguishable!
Go Not Without God
Discussion
Why was God's statement, "I will not go with you," such devastating news for Israel?
How did Moses and the Israelites respond when they heard God would not go with them?
What are some "golden calves" people are tempted to trust instead of God today?
In what areas of your life are you tempted to move forward without seeking God's guidance?
What does "Go not without God" look like in your life?
If someone observed your life for a week, what evidence would they see that you belong to Christ?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
How can we pray together for you today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!