This sermon's main point is to emphasize the importance of trusting in God's guidance and presence in our lives, even amidst uncertainty and challenges, as illustrated in Exodus 33:12-23.
Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. I'm so glad to see each one of you here today, ready to delve into God's Word together. Our sermon today is inspired by a powerful passage from Exodus 33:12-23. This passage speaks volumes about how God's presence is our guide, His guidance our strength, and His direction our hope.
Before we explore this text, let me share a quote from the well-respected Christian author, A.W. Tozer: "The man who has God for his guide, is not the man who sees every step of the journey before him, but the man who knows and loves the Guide." Such a profound statement, isn't it? It underscores the essence of our faith journey - trusting in God's guidance, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.
Let's read the scripture passage together:
"Moses said to the LORD, 'You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 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.’ The LORD replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?' And the LORD said to Moses, 'I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.' Then Moses said, 'Now show me your glory.' 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. But,' he said, 'you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.' Then the LORD said, 'There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.'" - Exodus 33:12-23
As we begin to unpack this text today, let's bow our heads in prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence that guides us, your guidance that strengthens us, and your direction that gives us hope. Open our hearts and minds today, Lord, as we study your Word. Help us to understand and apply these principles in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In the text we just read, Moses, the leader of the Israelites, is in conversation with God. He is at a crossroads, unsure of how to lead the people God has entrusted to him. He is seeking clarity, direction, and assurance. And God's response to Moses' plea is both comforting and profound: 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'
This promise from God is not just for Moses; it is for all of us. God's presence is our guide. It is the compass that directs us when we are lost, the light that illuminates our path when we are in darkness, and the voice that whispers reassurance when we are in doubt. God's presence is not a physical manifestation that we can see with our eyes, but a spiritual reality that we can perceive with our hearts. It is a sense of peace, a feeling of comfort, and a certainty of purpose that transcends our understanding.
God's presence as our guide is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey. It is not about reaching a specific destination, but about walking in step with God, allowing Him to lead us every step of the way. This is beautifully illustrated in the life of Moses. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Moses was able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, not because he was a great leader in his own right, but because he was guided by God's presence.
God's presence as our guide also means that we are never alone. Even when we feel isolated, even when we are in the midst of trials and tribulations, God is with us. He is our constant companion, our ever-present help in times of need. His presence is not dependent on our circumstances, but on His unchanging character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His presence is not a reward for our good behavior, but a gift of His grace.
Moreover, God's presence as our guide is not just about leading us in the right direction, but also about transforming us in the process. As we walk with God, as we listen to His voice, as we follow His lead, we are changed. We become more like Him. We develop the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We become the people God created us to be.
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