On God's Presence

"And Moses said to the Lord, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" Exodus 33:15

As the people of Israel left the bondage of Egypt their constant rebellion stretched the patience of God to the breaking point. Even He who is “slow to anger” has His limits. The golden calf was that limit. Picture this: Moses is on the mount of God receiving the covenant that is to govern the future nation of Israel. Meanwhile, the people are at the foot of the mountain breaking the very covenant that Moses is receiving. The private session between God and Moses is cut short. “Go down,” says the Lord, “for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them.” Moses falls to his knees and begs God to stay His wrath. God relents and Moses rushes down the mountain. The people are in utter chaos. Amidst the rioting Moses cries out “Who is on the Lord’s side?” The sons of Levi respond to his summons. “Put your sword on your side,” Moses quickly commands them. “Each of you go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor."

Wow—now that’s church discipline. But the story continues. After the swords of the Levites have brought the people under control, a new problem arises. God informs Moses that He will no longer travel with the people. No longer will He be their pillar of cloud by day or their pillar of fire by night. The people are too stiff-necked and too prone to evoking His wrath. “I will send an angel before you,” the Lord says. “He will drive out the people of the land. Go up to your land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go with you lest I consume you on the way.”

What is Moses’ response? What would have been your response? Perhaps I would have been a bit weary of arbitrating between a holy God and a sinful people. Maybe I would have said to myself, “Perhaps that’s best. Both sides could use a little space. And after all, we’ll still get the protection of God through the presence of the angel. We’ll still inherit the land. Yep—a little distance is what we need.” But that’s not Moses response. In fact, Moses describes this word from the Lord as “disastrous.” Disastrous? What’s so disastrous about it?

For Moses, no greater tragedy could befall the people of God than the loss of God’s presence. No angel from heaven could suffice as a substitute. In the end, Moses longs for the presence of God more than he longs for the provision of God. It’s not enough that the people will be cared for. It’s not enough that they will enter the land. It’s not enough that the inhabitants of the land will be driven out before them. Without God’s presence, nothing is ever enough. Moses longs to see God’s face, not just trace His hand. In fact, Moses so longs for the Lord to remain among the people that he is willing to undergo the cost that they will inevitably have to pay—their death. God’s threat was not in vain. For Moses’ sake He remained among them and the people were—just as God promised—“laid low” in the desert. Not one of them—save Joshua and Caleb—entered the land. Even Moses died in the desert. But for Moses, no price was too high, no sacrifice too great. “Show me you glory!” was the cry of his heart. Even at the expense of his life. No matter the cost. No matter the loss.

What is it that we long for in this journey of life? Are we content with the mere provision of God—His blessing upon our homes, our jobs, our churches, our play time? Or do we desire more than the gifts of His hand? Do we long for the presence of God more than the provision of God? Do we desire it even when His presence threatens to negate our experience of His provision? Moses was not content with the mere blessing of the Lord. Are we?