Exodus 33:5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’ ”
Commentary talks about the steps towards spiritual restoration with today’s verses: showing a genuine heart for God (not just His blessings), forgoing outward ornamentation and instead getting the heart right with God, and actively seeking God (instead of waiting for God to seek you).
Exodus 33:6 So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.
I’m a rule-follower and a planner, so I am here for a step-by-step plan. But what frustrates me is that often, once all the boxes have been checked, folks check out. It’s more of an “I’ve been restored with God. Now I can go live my life” mentality, and that is not what Jesus wants. He wants an active, living relationship with us. He wants us to be His hands and feet in this world.
Exodus 33:7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.
Precious Savior, Help me never to fall for the “one and done” Christian relationship with You. Drawing closer to You is not a goal to be checked off my list. It is a life-long pursuit. Help me never to forget that. And help me to be Your hands and feet and heart in this world. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 33:8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.
Have a blessed day.