God gave Moses a frightening directive: “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ And I will send My Angel before you . . . for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people” (Exodus 33:1-3).
The people of God had spun completely out of control because of lust and idolatry (see Exodus 32:25). Gold had become their god and all they wanted to do was dance, play and follow their lustful appetites. Only the sons of Levi stood up for the holiness of God.
The Lord had removed himself from them “lest he slay them” but still he said to them, “I will give you what I promised.” So they could claim all their rights and his protection — but not his presence.
We are seeing the same thing today. Multitudes of God’s people are moving on in their quest for promised rights while lacking the holy, convicting presence of Christ.
I think nothing could be worse than hearing this from the Lord: “Go on up to a land flowing with milk and honey but I won’t go with you” (see Exodus 33:3).
Moses wanted something greater than a land flowing with milk and honey. He wanted to know and experience the Lord’s presence! “That I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight” (Exodus 33:13). No wonder this precious servant of God convicted his generation! No wonder there was so much glory on his face. He wanted only to know the Lord, to abide in his presence.
Today I encourage you to follow the example of Moses. And may we all say with Paul, whose heart cried out, “That I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10).