Text: Exodus 33:12-14
Memory verse:
“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””
Exodus 33:14 NKJV
There seems to be no rest anywhere in the world. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, landslides and mudslides, earthquakes, wars, protests, riots, famine, climate change, economic recession, banditry, terrorism, epidemics and pandemics across the nations. From Africa, to Europe, to Asia, Australia, America, to North America, and to the UK are all fears, unrest, deaths, and destructions.
In the midst of these, God promises rest in His presence.
“And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””
(Exod 33:14). The NLT puts it as this: “…everything will be fine for you.”
This statement came not long after the Israelites’ shameful behaviour and failure at Mount Sinai, when they built and worshipped a golden calf as the god that brought them out of Egypt. After God had told them to continue the journey into the wilderness, Moses asked for guidance, not only for himself but for all the people of Israel. He knew that he had received grace from God, and he asked God to show him His ways, that is, how He operates and why He does what He does. He wanted intimacy with God that he might receive more grace from Him; grace upon grace.
(Exo 33:13).
God responded by promising that He would make His face, that is, His presence, known to him. This means, God will give him a personal revelation of Himself. This is the presence of God that gives rest.
Rest and God’s presence are intertwined. Only through the presence of God can anyone have full and complete rest and peace. A deep knowledge of God keeps away all forms of fears and anxieties and gives you rest and peace in the midst of the troubles of life. Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:2).
Friends, the United Nations cannot give the rest we all desperately need today. No one can give you rest outside Christ. The more you know Him, the more you enjoy rest. Choose the way of rest today, and you will have true rest in the journey of life.
Today’s prayer
1. Father, please, show me Your ways, that I may know You more intimately, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, draw me back from running after things that won’t give me rest, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. The more I know God through Jesus Christ, the more grace and peace are multiplied to me.
2. I have rest because God’s presence goes with me in the journeys of life.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng