Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day 18: Moses interceded (part 3)

Thoughts on the Passage

Moses had received grace (an answer to his petition on behalf of the people of Israel), and yet Moses knows that he and the people need even more. First, they need the presence of God to be with them. 

The word for presence is literally, the “Face”, or the need for God’s face to be with them. Moses is coming with another request for himself and the people of Israel - God’s face to be with them. This is what separates them from the rest of the nations, and Moses is not willing to move forward without it.

Second, we see that the journey is as important as the destination. God could give them the land of promise without His presence, but Moses will not go with just that promise – He wants God’s presence through the journey and the destination. 

Are we willing to stop our journey until God walks with us? Would we be willing to reach God’s promised destiny without His daily presence? God again answers Moses request – because Moses has found grace in God’s eyes. Moses receives the promise of God’s continual presence with His people.

Third, look at what a simple request produces. “Please show me Your glory.” It is a bold request. It is an unreasonable request. It comes as Moses has received all that he needs to fulfil the journey. Still, Moses is after more than just the resources to meet the journey – he wants much more. He wants an understanding of God that goes beyond what he needs right now to get the task done. He wants to know the ways of God – it takes an understanding of God that goes way beyond what he knows now. So Moses boldly asks for more.

God responds with amazing willingness to reveal Himself. God gives eight “I will” statements to Moses. Each promises unprecedented intimacy and revelation – up to everything that Moses was able to handle about God’s goodness. 

What would a full revelation of His love look like? What would a full revelation of His mercy do to our very soul?

Maybe we should ask.

Application to our Life

Are we willing to move through life without His presence just to accomplish what He wants us to do?

When we get everything we ask to meet our needs… do we seek more of God and an understanding of His heart?

What would a passionate cry for God’s love look like? Do we really want to see it?

Time to Pray
Father, I am overwhelmed by the thought that You are willing to let us carry on with the task without the joy of Your presence. I see it in us though. We are willing to live today without Your face shining on our path and our lives. Not today, Lord! Today I wait until Your face shines on me. Today I will wait until Your grace and mercy covers me and my day. While I wait for Your grace to be released on me, I am also going to ask for an understanding of Your love. “Father, show me the glory of Your love for Your people and Your world”. In Jesus' name, Amen.