Saturday 25 May 2024
He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (v. 14)
Background
Today’s reading follows the account of the idol worship which took place in Exodus 32 while Moses was with God receiving the Ten Commandments. Following this event, Moses is told to leave the mountain and lead the people towards the Promised Land.
The tent in verses 7-11 is not the tabernacle, those descriptions are elsewhere (see Exodus 25-31 and 35-40). Instead, it is a place for Moses to meet with God. ‘Face to face’, is not to be taken literally. The more correct interpretation is ‘to be in the presence of God’.
In the following few verses Moses complains three times. He is concerned about ‘finding favour’ with God. Moses is feeling unworthy and wants assurance.
In verses 12-13 Moses wants to know he has done the right thing in following God’s command to bring the people out from Egypt. He is not interested just in knowing this for himself but for the whole people.
When God promises his presence, Moses counters with another complaint that seeks to ensure that God is with them (see verses 15-16). Here again he is thinking about the nation. God’s presence will make them unique.
Moses seeks to push this point: not only does he want to know the presence but he wants to see God (verses 18-19). God makes it clear Moses cannot see him. Yet God still grants Moses a glimpse.
Throughout this passage to be in God’s presence is a sign of comfort and assurance.
As the song-writer Noel Richards puts it.
To rest in your presence,
not rushing away,
to cherish each moment –
here I would stay. (Singing the Faith 530 © 1992 Thankyou Music.)
The promise is given at verse 14. This promise for Moses is again fulfilled in the coming of the Holy Spirit. Those who seek to follow Christ can be confident of God’s presence and even though, like Moses, they cannot see God, they can see where God has been at work.
As Pentecost week draws to a close, here is a moment to realise that believers can be assured they are not only part of God’s family but are given rest through the Holy Spirit.
To Ponder:
- God is present everywhere – this is a given. But some people have identified a special place to feel particularly close to God. Where do you feel most the presence of God?
- In busy lives, rest is often at a premium. How are you going to rest in the Spirit this weekend?
Prayer
Loving Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to remember the power of the Holy Spirit released at Pentecost. We praise you for the power it gives to tell the good news. We pray that not only will we be equipped but also be able to rest in the knowledge that God’s presence is with us always. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul served for 40 years as a Methodist minister, most recently serving as Chair of the Lancashire District. He currently sits on the board of Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes.