Read Exodus 33:12-23
12 Moses
said to the Lord, “It is true that
you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me
whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are
pleased with me. 13Now if you are, tell me your plans, so that I may
serve you and continue to please you. Remember also that you have chosen this
nation to be your own.”
14 The
Lord said, “I will go with you,
and I will give you victory.”
15 Moses
replied, “If you do not go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16How
will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do
not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people
on earth.”
17 The
Lord said to Moses, “I will do
just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with
you.”
18 Then
Moses requested, “Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence.”
19 The
Lord answered, “I will make all my
splendour pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name.
I am the Lord, and I show
compassion and pity on those I choose. 20I will not let you see my
face, because no one can see me and stay alive, 21but here is a
place beside me where you can stand on a rock. 22When the dazzling
light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and
cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23Then I will take my
hand away, and you will see my back but not my face.”
Think
This passage seems to
describe our sense of God's presence and absence all at once. God promises to go with Moses and the
Israelites; but he warns: "I will not let you see my face, because no one
can see me and stay alive..."
Pray
Moses prays: "...tell me
your plans, so that I may serve you and continue to please you."
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