Exodus 33 - Sin in the Presence of God

People don't like to admit they are sinners. It just doesn't feel good, especially knowing God's punishment for sin. Particularly God's people like to think they are a little farther away from at least the deathly sins that would sentence us to Hell. 

In Exodus 33 we find the Israelites facing the prospect of having offended God so deeply with their pursuit of worldliness and worship of idols that God is prepared to send them to the Promised Land without his presence. God said in Ex 33:3 that if He were to go with them, He might destroy the people along the way. Their sin was as grave as that of the people in Noah's time. God's own people chose to follow the example of the world rather than to follow him. What rejection; what betrayal!  

Before we look down too much upon the Jews, consider how much of the world's influence, philosphies and practices have been adopted in our own lifestyle. How many of us have valued wealth, power, entertainment and pleasures over fellowship with our Lord?  A close examination of our activities and our conversations might betray out proclaimed faith. Even the ways we spend our money are banners to the world proclaiming our true values. They display our faith or lack thereof. 

The thought of going anywhere without the Lord's presence is scary. No protection, no love, no security, no hope. I think this chapter is a Come to Jesus moment for us to consider how our faith and our actions might be different. 

Moses intercedes in behalf of God's people just as the Spirit intercedes for us today pleading with God on our behalf giving us access to much undeserved mercy and compassion. If we are to see God's glory as Moses did we must be prepared to follow The Lord not in a casual way as so many carnal Christians do, but wholeheartedly abandoning our ways and seeking holiness over happiness. When we do this, we will find that we get our hearts desire. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.