God's Presence is a Gift of Grace • Deshen Daily

And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? (Exod. 33:15-17 KJV).

Moses made the outstanding statement above that the presence of God going with the camp of Israel when they left Egypt was proof they had found grace with God. God was dwelling amongst them to give them direction and victory by His favor, and not by the good works that the Israelites had done. His Presence was a gift from God.

Adam lost God’s presence at the moment he fell into sin and was driven from the Garden of Eden. God was not far away; sin was an obstacle. If God therefore had to go with the Israelites who were sinful, it had to be by grace. Israel had found favor with God.

And the manifestation of this grace continued. He did not withdraw the pillar of cloud and fire – the representation of His presence – that gave light, direction, and protection to the people despite their multiple sins and their grumbling and complaining (Exo. 13:22). Our God is a gracious God, indeed!

This grace is full blown in the Church. His Presence, the Holy Spirit, continues to abide in the Church despite all our faults, weaknesses, and sins. God has not taken His Spirit from us. This is grace. Jesus said that when the Spirit will come, He will abide with you forever (Joh. 14:16). Praise the Lord!

MEDITATE

Why do you think Moses desperately needed God’s presence to accompany them? Did God give us His Spirit (His Presence) by grace or by merit? See Gal. 3:2.

APPLY THE WORD

Your best way to express your gratitude for the gift of God’s presence is to keep sin away from your life.

PRAY

Thank the Lord for the gift of His presence and for not taking away His Spirit despite all we have done. Pray earnestly that He will help you cherish and treasure His presence.

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