Exodus 34-36:1| Be Ready and Come Up In The Morning

Our greatest misconception is that God is uninterested in us. From the beginning, our Ancient Enemy has deceived us into thinking that God is holding out on us and that He has no interest in our fellowship.

But the testimony of Scripture (and of men and women who have known Him) shatters this lie like a hammer shattering a rock.

THE DIVINE INVITATION

"So be ready by morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me on the top of the mountain." (Exodus 34:3)

Moses was invited by God, as a representative of the people, into the presence of God. He was to take no one with him—it was a solitary step. But it was to be the first business of the day to enter into the presence of the Almighty.

When Moses cooperated, "The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as the called upon the name of the Lord" (Exodus 34:5). There on that sacred spot, God revealed Himself as the "Lord, the Lord, God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth, who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." (verse 6-7). Every word of that description is inviting. "Meet me in the morning," God said, "And I will show you who I am."

So that Moses would have a full understanding, God also reminded him that He was a God who would deal with unrepentant sin.

THE NATURAL RESPONSE

Moses did what hundreds before had done and millions in succeeding years would imitate. He "made hast to blow low toward the earth and worship" (verse 8). When we stand in God's holiness, we realize there is no one like Him. We understand our difference and we realize that He alone deserves our unashamed worship.

And Moses' prayer, in light of God's presence was simply for God's continued presence. That God would accompany His people. That He would go along in their midst and not forsake them.

When you experience God's presence you only want more of His presence. And you realize all you really need is Him. If you have Him, you have everything.

THE PRESENT CALL

Men and women throughout the ages have heard God's invitation. Many have failed to respond. They have not made themselves ready. They have not come up in the morning to Mount Sinai and the results are tragic. They live lives of quiet desperation, never having the one thing that would equip them to do everything. They have missed God.

Father, thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Help me to listen and instantly respond to Your call. Thank You that I can know you intimately and deeply and in having You I have all that matters and lasts.