Exodus 34 - God's Presence - Our Raidance

Moses in this chapter visits God on Mt Sinai. God comes down in a cloud and proclaims His Name -The Lord. There is power even in the mention of God's name. I am sure that Moses felt the power surge. 

God then proclaims something I had underlined in my Bible and a promise we can all rest in as children of God. "The Lord is compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and failthfulness, maintaining to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."  Ex. 33:6-7. God hates sin and it can't be overlooked a price must be paid for sin, but we have a compassionate God who is gracious and loving. 

Moses worships and asks for The Lord to go with the people. The Lord proclaims some of the mighty works He will do if only the people will obey. Obedience- isn't that where we all get stuck?  God's holy standard is beyond us so we give up and return to our own ways. We don't want to be chided by our friends and neighbors so we go along with the flow and turn our backs on holy living. We entangle ourselves in the affairs of the world. 

God calls us to be different and to enjoy His presence. Moses did and his face was radiant. We too have the offer of God's presence and no doubt we too will glow when we obey and trust God with our affairs. The problem is we doubt God and take up our own resolution to the problems we see rather than seeking and obeying God. 

As we speak, I am challenged in my own faith to trust God and to look to Him to guide me. Indications suggest that my position will likely be eliminated. I don't know when for sure, but it does not enjoy the same favor that the prior management bestowed. I know that God prepared me for this position and that He is now preparing me to serve Him where He places me. Yet, I can't help feeling a little uneasy anticipating change without knowing what direction it will take. Yes, I can choose to trust God and intentionally make time for worship, study, prayer, and fellowship. I need God's wisdom and power but I also need Him to go with me. I cannot go alone; if God does not ordain the path and walk with me, it must not be travelled. 

Our financial affairs can so quickly entangle us and keep us from enjoying God's radiance. It is in this area of life that our joy is so quickly stripped from us as we pursue our own direction. Commit today to serve The Lord in obedience and enjoy his fellowship daily. 

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