"His Glorious Face Series Three."
Rev. Dr. Charles O. Osueke
Moses at a time told God that if His (God's) presence would not go with them (Israelites), that it was better they never moved. But God promptly gave him the assurance that He would be with them.
I'm talking about the people of God; who recognise the importance of His presence in their midst. They dare not take any step without first being very sure of God's presence with them.
How does that relate to the situation of things in the church of Jesus Christ today? Now, let me first address this question to the leaders in the church. I mean pastors, bishops, elders etc. How much importance do we attach to the presence of God in our decision - making processes? Does it ever matter to us that He (God) wants to be involved even in the smallest details of all our affairs? We talk and plan about our building projects, conference, seminars, outings etc, but do we actually give God His first place in all these.
Before taking any step in life, I believe that God must be consulted. We must of necessity seek His face for divine guidance. If that project must succeed, seek His face! God's opinion is, in fact, indispensable not only in our affairs but in the affair of the church. As you're drawing the programme of your church for the week, the month or year, do you ever think of giving Him the first place by seeking His opinion concerning all the items? Or you draw your programme and tell Him (God) to follow you. That is wrong. God must take the lead. We must begin early to seek His presence, guidance leading and fulfillment of what He has committed in our hands. There's no substitute for God's presence and guidance.
If we will actually be honest to ourselves, it even look as if we are afraid of God's presence. I hear you asking how. Yes, sometimes this happens because we know that the way God could lead might not synchronise with our own plans, ideas etc. So, we choose to dodge Him, and do it our own way.
But Moses was different. He told God "may we never take the first step without Your presence and leading. You (God) must assure us that you are going with us." Moses reminded God that it was only His presence that will distinguish Israelites from the other nations of the earth. It was God's presence that was going to make the difference. Therefore they (Moses) and Israel had no choice than to stay and wait for His assurance of His divine presence. "Please, if this is really so, show me Your intentions so I will understand You more fully and do exactly what You want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is Your very own people.'
And the Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you." Then Moses said, 'if you don't go with me personally, don't let us move a step from this place. If you don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favour with You? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth? And the Lord replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favour with Me, and you are my friend (Exodus 33: 13 - 17)." It is God's presence that makes the difference.
Today, we often think how to make the difference in our ministries, careers, work, projects etc. We think on how to improve our business, marriage and our lives, but we neglect the presence of the author and finisher of lives.
God bless you.