Stand in the Gap

Moses left the Israelites and went up Mount Sinai for 40 days to meet with God. He received detailed instructions on building the Tabernacle and the ten commandments. While he was away, the Israelites became restless, assuming he would not return. They created a god (little g), a golden calf, and worshipped, sacrificed, and celebrated the piece of metal. When Moses returned to the people and saw the scene, he wasn’t happy. Nor was God.

Initially, God said that He would destroy all the people, but through a conversation with Moses, He relented. Then, God pulls His Presence from the people.

“Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” Exodus 33:3

This was a dagger to Moses’ heart. He knew that the people needed God’s Presence and His grace. When Moses delivered the news, the people mourned. But, Moses interceded for his people.

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” Exodus 33:12-13

Moses prays for all of the Israelites. “This nation is your people.”

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

God replies that His Presence will only be with Moses, not the rest of the Israelites.

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? Exodus 33:14-16

Moses said that he couldn’t go unless God’s Presence, and ultimately His grace, was with all of the Israelites.

And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17

God relents.

As the leader, Moses stood in the gap for his people. God’s Presence and grace with him alone wasn’t enough. He knew that the people needed God’s Presence, as well. There would be no rest, no protection unless they had His Presence. Ultimately, Moses’ point was that the world needed to see God through His grace for not only him, but all of the Israelites. How else would they know?

God’s Presence is evidence of, well, God. His Presence is seen throughout the Bible. As the pillar of fire leading the Israelites out of Egypt, thru the messages and warnings of the Prophets, to Peter as he preached on the Day of Pentecost, to Paul on the road to Damascus, to John on the island of Patmos, God’s Presence brings grace, deliverance, power, clarity, wisdom, peace, and rest. God’s Presence is the visible difference to an outside world.

God’s perpetual Presence is the ultimate gift when times are tough, when the waves are rough, when there is nowhere else to go. He is the anchor that holds in the storm. And, He promises that He is with us forever.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

There are those right now that need you to stand in the gap for them, praying for His Presence in their life. Stand in the gap.

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