Exodus 33:2-3 “I will send an angel before you….But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”
As I read Exodus 33, I am reminded of the story of the Prodigal Son. In that story, the prodigal demanded and was given the resources of his father, but he deprived himself of a relationship with his father. The older brother, angry at the celebration the for wayward son’s return, is told, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:32).
Exodus 33:5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you….’”
Resources and relationships are both vitally important. But God is angry at the Israelites for their disobedience. For their protection, to keep Himself from destroying them in His anger, He sends an angel but does not go Himself. He gives the resources but pulls back on the relationship.
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that calling You our Savior means more than Your resources at our disposal. It means we are in relationship with You. That relationship is vital to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Help us to crave relationship with You. Draw us closer, Lord. Be with us always. Amen.
Exodus 33:14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.