It’s Not About The Land, It’s About The Cloud
Sunday, April 5
Exodus 33:14-15 (NKJV)
“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
Devotion
Today’s verses occur right after Israel’s sin and rebellion against God in the making of the golden calf idol (Exodus 32). Moses intercedes for the nation, seeking atonement and pleading that God Himself would remain with them. God instructed Moses to lead the people with the guidance of an angel, but this was not the same as His personal presence. Moses was not satisfied with this and refused to move forward without Him.
Moses feared moving forward, as he understood that Israel’s survival in the wilderness hinged on God’s ongoing presence. His presence was evidenced by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. This manifestation of God’s presence would distinguish Israel from other nations, guarantee their safety, and provide true rest. Although God is omnipresent, withdrawing the evidence of His presence may have been a sign of judgment or of displeasure.
Moses was keenly aware that Israel had already rebelled and turned away from God. He feared that going on without a visible sign of God’s presence and forgiveness might bring chaos and further rebellion.
He saw that favorable providence depended entirely on God, not just on reaching a destination. A relationship with God was the only way to govern the hearts of the people and provide ongoing peace. He knew the people needed daily reminders of God’s nearness to remain faithful, and so he petitioned God not to depart. This was necessary to guarantee any and every measure of fulfillment in their lives and the lives of future generations.
This is reflected beautifully in the New Testament as Jesus reminds us in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
This is the central theme, emphasizing that Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches, requiring a continuous, dependent connection to Him to produce spiritual fruit. Abiding in Him means maintaining daily communion through prayer, reading His Word, obeying His commands, and relying on the Holy Spirit.
Like Moses, don’t move forward without His presence.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for our risen Savior! Because of His work on the cross, the veil has been torn that once separated me from You. I praise You and desire Your presence in every area of my life. So, I invite You in, for without You, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
It was a wise stance that Moses took that day by refusing to move forward without God’s Presence going with him. May we learn the fear of the Lord. Let us make this wise decision, inviting His Presence into our homes, our relationships, our employment, and every decision we make.
Resources
- Celebrate the hope of Resurrection Sunday by joining us this morning for a special Easter Sunday with powerful worship and an uplifting message from Pastor Jentezen Franklin, at 9 and 11am (ET). You can watch services right here on the App, on YouTube, Facebook, and live.freechapel.org. Be reminded of the power of the empty tomb, the victory we have in Jesus, and the new life made available to all.
- Boldly declare this: Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed!