Moses Asks for God's Presence

The Lord told Moses to lead the people on towards the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He said he would send an angel ahead and drive out the nations there. The land was good, flowing with milk and honey. But the Lord also said he would not go among this stiff-necked people, or they would be consumed on the way.

When the people heard this, they mourned. They took off their jewellery as the Lord had commanded. Moses used to pitch a tent outside the camp and call it the Tent of Meeting. Anyone who wanted to seek the Lord went out there. The people stood at their tent doors and watched Moses go in. Then the pillar of cloud came down at the entrance, and the people worshipped.

There the Lord spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Afterwards Moses returned to the camp, but Joshua stayed at the tent. Moses then spoke boldly to the Lord. He said that God had told him to bring up this people, yet had not made known whom he would send with him. He asked God to show him his way and to remember that Israel was God's people.

The Lord answered that his presence would go with Moses and give him rest. But Moses pleaded for the people as well. He said that if God's presence did not go with them, they should not leave at all. How else would anyone know that Moses and God's people had found favour with him? It was God's presence with them that would make them distinct from other peoples.

The Lord said he would do what Moses had asked, because Moses had found favour in his sight and was known by name. Then Moses asked to see God's glory. The Lord said he would let his goodness pass by and proclaim his name, showing grace and mercy as he chose. Yet Moses could not see God's face and live.

So God said Moses would stand in a cleft of the rock, sheltered as his glory passed by. Moses would not see God's face, but would see what God allowed after he had passed by. What do you notice about Moses' desire for God himself, not only God's gifts?