God's Presence

Today's readings are from Exodus 33, 34, 35

I have to admit, chapters 33 & 34 are two of my favorites. In this first part we find the essence of life with God on earth...a plea for "knowing" God and for "living" with his presence. It is Moses' plea that reveals his heart:

"If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people."

And it is God's response that reveals his desire:

The lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

I want that also...to know God deeply and to experience his presence that leads to the Sabbath rest of heart, mind, soul.

But Moses is not content with that alone, as good as that would be alone. He also asks of God:

"Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."

How do we experience God's glory? It is in experiencing Him in his real person. For God is anxious to share his presence with us and when he does we experience all of the person of God:

"And the lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

He is goodness, compassion, mercy, grace, love and forgiveness and more. I love these passages and the beauty of what unfolds in dialog between Moses and God.

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