Exodus 33
May 22, 2010
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Bible Passage: Exodus 33
Yesterday we read about the Israelites making a golden calf and worshipping it.
When I read that chapter for the first time after I was converted, I remember feeling appalled at the Israelites for going against God’s teachings, despite all the miracles and blessings He had showered upon them.
Didn’t He send the pillar of cloud and fire to guide them every step of the way? How could these people forget His grace and commandments so easily?
Similiarly, during my truthseeking days, I was equally disturbed at how True Jesus Church members could forsake the truth and leave the church.
Didn’t they already have the Holy Spirit? Wasn’t the truth enough? Didn’t they know the consequences if they leave the true church?
Last month, I entered a new phase in life which opened up opportunities and new ideas that have never crossed my mind.
Within weeks, I was caught up with exciting prospects and meeting new people. Naturally, the room in my heart for God shrank gradually.
When I came for services, I felt like a stranger in church. Despite Tuesday’s exhortation to open the door to our hearts for Jesus, I did not even try to.
It is so easy to stray and drift away from the Lord. Sometimes we know we have to change, but we continue to give way to temptations and desires. We harden our hearts and shut Jesus out, knowingly.
We become stiff-necked people just like how God rebuked the Israelites(v2)
Hence, let us pray for one another, just like how Moses interceded for his people(v13).
In this world where we are bombarded by earthly cares and affairs, spending just a few hours in church per week would hardly suffice.
Besides for ourselves, we must pray for each other’s faith, especially for those whom we know are currently having faith crisis. Pray that God softens the heart of those who are in danger of leaving the church, or who have already left.
Today there will be a fasting and prayer session for Spiritual Meeting held next week.
Let’s come together and pray that God fills us with the Holy Spirit, that our hearts will be willing to be moved.
Even for us who are still in church, we pray that God preserves us in His holiness.
Blessed Sabbath!
Ex 33:9 And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle and the LORD talked with Moses.
Ex 33:10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door.
Please read Ex 33:9-10 again.
How close was the pillar of cloud to the people?
Yes, this close, at the door of the tabernacle. Yes, i m shocked to read these 2 verses. i have the wrong idea that the pillar of cloud was always “in front” (yes, a far off or afar above).
God was truthful to His word: He said that He wants to be in the midst of His people. He actually descended amidst His people.
And the people could see the pillar of cloud amidst them too.
They rose and worshipped God in response to what they saw.
Where is God now?
We don’t see God as a pillar of cloud in front of the church now, do we?
No, so God is not amidst us.??!!!
Where is God now?
In our heart. He is in our heart all the time even when we are not physically in church.
God is amidst His people.
Is “His people” aware of His presence?
(Even Moses needed to see God with his own eyes at times (Ex 33:18). Sigh)