What Makes the Difference?
After a laid back day yesterday, it was good to be out and about for some of today. I attended my Tuesday prayer time for our county officials and ran a few other errands. I returned to 24 House Fitness for my weekly meeting with my trainer. Tomorrow I go to Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital for my monthly evaluation and therapy session.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord said, “I [my presence] will go with you, and I will give you victory.”Moses replied, “If you do not go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How 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.” Exodus 33:14-16 (GNT)
The people of Israel were unique among the people of the earth. They were a nation that was established by the Lord to be the people of God set apart to Him for special purposes. The main one was to bring the Messiah to earth as the Savior of the world.
As the exodus takes place and the people travel to Mount Sinai, they received the law. But before the law is even given to Moses and he returns to the people they have committed idolatry and have broken some of the foundational laws of the Ten Commandments.
It is after this that Moses is pleading to God for Israel and for their future and for help to lead the people. The Lord responds with the promise of His presence, and assurance of “rest and victory.” I love Moses response. “If you don’t go with us, don’t allow us to leave this place…” He then goes on and says, “Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth.”
History reveals that the people struggled with the value of the “presence of the Lord” and an image of a god being before them like other nations. What was to be their unique, distinguishing characteristic was compromised. When they lost their uniqueness, they became vulnerable to corruption from within and defeat from enemies from without.
What is important to remember for Christ’s followers today is, that it is the presence of the Lord that is to be the distinguishing mark of our lives. David declared, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) It is the presence of the Lord that brings peace, wisdom and strength for each day. It is the presence of the Lord that reassures us that the Lord is with us. It is the presence of the Lord that enables us to be a light in darkness and to have the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
The saddest day for Samson was when, “he arose [to face his enemies] and the presence of the Lord had departed and he did not know it.” (Judges 16:20) When David was confessing his sin before the Lord, his prayer included the plea, “….do not take your Holy Spirit away from me…” (Psalm 51:10)
In your life value and cultivate the presence of the Lord. You can do that through times of praise and worship, “for the Lord inhabits the praises of His people…” (Psalm 22:3) Remember the presence of the Lord is what distinguishes you from other people. But it is not exclusive. God’s plan is for all people to know Him, place their faith Him and to know His presence in this life and to find a home in His presence for all eternity.