I have come to know in a very deep, personal way, the love of Jesus Christ. I can say from the bottom of my heart that God’s love is the most wonderful. It is up close and personal. He has proven time and time again that I can count on Him, fully relying on the Holy Spirit to lead me, and to trust the Trinity completely. You could say, He’s my ride or die. He is that someone who would do anything for me.
Who has the Trinity become for you?
A well-known biblical character lived before Jesus’ time, yet He learned the art of walking with God in such a personal way that God became Moses’ ride or die. There is no way Moses could have ever convinced Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt; nor would he have gone in the first place. Moses would have ignored the burning bush. He needed God. There is no way Moses and two million people could have meandered around the wilderness and reach their destination. They needed God.
In Exodus 33:12-23, you learn of the beautiful relationship between God and Moses. You see just how much God loves a heart that is drawn towards Him. Your relationship with God, Jesus, and the Spirit is the closest relationship you can have. The marital relationship, family relationships, friendships, all pale in comparison.
The relationship between you and Jesus is of utmost importance.
God has led Moses through many adventures. Moses’ trust is solidifying because of them. In this passage, he questions God and asks for more understanding. What is he wanting to understand, see verse 13? Pay attention to the answer.
Moses says, “Let me now Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favor.”13 Moses is desiring to know God in a deeper way. What has God revealed to you about Himself? Are you responding, like Moses, and continuing to seek more and more of God? Or have you plateaued in your faith? Has it waned and you prefer to sit on the sidelines as a spectator rather than participate in God’s game?
Moses needed some reassuring from God for the task that continued to lay before him. Leading two million people through enemy territory to a land that was promised by God was impossible in his own strength and human wisdom. Moses reminded God of what God had told him previously. He needed some encouragement to keep going, and God in His faithfulness offered it.
The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest; everything will be fine for you.”14 Read this verse again, God would never leave Moses alone. God would give him rest. He would recharge and refuel him. And Moses would be protected. You have this ride-or-die-kind-of-love with Jesus Christ! What God provided for Moses, Jesus will do for you!
I love this next part. Even after receiving such reassurance of God’s presence, I think it was hard for Moses to grasp that God would never leave him (or them). Are we not the same? Oh, how God reveals His presence to each of us all day long, yet our finite minds need constant reminding of His presence.
Look at how Moses replied to God, “If You don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that You look favorable on me, on me and on Your people, if You don’t go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” 15-16
Moses was telling God, “Listen, I cannot, we cannot, move one step forward without Your presence! This is a matter of life and death! We will look like the (sinful) world if You are not with us.” Then, look at what Moses asked God in verse 18. God answered him in the most awe-inspiring way; read verses 19-23. Are you brave enough to ask God such a question? (take the time to look that verse up) You really don’t need to be brave, you just need to be willing. God will take care of the rest, and He will completely destroy every falsehood you believe.
My friend, Jesus will walk with you in this same manner! Actually, even more intimate because of the Holy Spirit indwelling you when you received Christ at your salvation. You are called to endure to the end; read Hebrews 3:12-15. Whether you need to meet Jesus for the first time or you need to return to Him (over whatever reason that caused you to turn your back), God will receive you and bring you into His presence. May He become your ride or die for He will do anything for you.
Carol J German 