Message Notes:

Ex 33:7-17 (NLT) It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.

1. Moses had a place he met with God.

Ex 33:12 (NLT) One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me to, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me.”

 Moses had tried to deliver Israel on his own strength and failed miserably.

Ex 33:12-15 (NLT) You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.

2. Go with us - God’s presence is our Key.

Ex 33:16-17 (NLT) How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

The LORD replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”

3. Once Moses asked for help, God’s presence marked his life.

Ex 34:29 (NLT) When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord.

Response:

1. When things in life are going wrong do you seek out God’s presence?

2. Have you turned over control of your life and family to God? Is God going before you?

3. Is God’s presence marking your life? What needs to change in order for this to be a reality?