October 17, 2024
Our greatest misconception is that God is uninterested in us. From the beginning our Ancient Enemy has deceived us into thinking that God is holding out and on us and that He has no interest in our fellowship.
But the testimony of Scripture (and of men and women who have known Him) shatters this lie like a hammer shattering a rock.
THE DIVINE INVITATION
"So be ready by morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me on the top of the mountain."(Exodus 34:3)
Moses was invited by God, as a representative of the people, into His presence. He was to take no one with him—it is a solitary step. But it was to be the first business of the day to enter into the presence of the Almighty.
When Moses cooperated, "The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord." (Exodus 34:5). God Himself “passed by in front of him” and spoke. Just imagine!
There on that sacred spot, God revealed Himself as the "Lord, the Lord, God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." (verse 6-7). Every word of that description is inviting. "Meet me in the morning," God said, "And I will show you who I am."
So that Moses would have a full understanding, God also reminded him that He was a God who would deal with unrepentant sin.
THE NATURAL RESPONSE
Moses did what hundreds before had done and millions in succeeding years would imitate. He "made hast to bow low toward the earth and worship" (verse 8). When we stand in God's holiness, we realize there is no one like Him. We understand our difference and we realize that He alone deserves our unashamed worship.
And Moses' prayer, in light of God's presence was simply for God's continued presence. That God would accompany His people. That He would go along in their midst and not forsake them.
He said, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession” (Exodus 34:9).
When you experience God's presence you only want more. And you realize all you really need is Him. If you have Him, you have everything.
THE PRESENT CALL
Men and women throughout the ages have heard God's invitation. Many have failed to respond. They have not made themselves ready. They have not come up in the morning to Mount Sinai and the results are tragic. They live lives of quiet desperation, never having the one thing that would equip them to do everything. They have missed the Essential Presence.
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