EXODUS 33:13-15. “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in the sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.”
THE LORD’S PRESENCE. The Lord sees from the place of being eternally present. He sees the tabernacle in every detail before it is made. His dwelling place is known to Him. He sees each one giving their goods and knows their heart. The motive behind the gifts we give is what is important. He sees each wise hearted one and fills them for the work. His power and ability are passed on to those who can be trusted with such important work.
He dwells among His people, and is their God. The awareness of the presence of God gives us the desire for fellowship with God. He receives the half-shekel from everyone, rich and poor alike, the same. He is no respecter of persons among His own today.
He fills Bezaleel with His Spirit. The same Spirit that worked in times past through chosen people, does the same today with us. He gives Bezaleel wisdom, understanding and knowledge of how to do every task needed in the work ahead. God has given gifts to us today that we might fulfill what He has called us to do.
He sees the hardness of the people. The imperfections and stiff-necked people of today, will grieve and quench the Spirit and bring dishonor to the Lord. He knows all their sin and charges them with guilt. Sin cannot be covered forever, because God is the witness to every act we do and every choice we make.
He accepts their repentance and gives His promise to be with them. When His people humble themselves and repent today, He accepts that and goes on with us. He declares to Moses His character. Far too often we do not realize who God is and what He is to His people today.
He is the Lord our God in the midst of us. He meets with His servant and sustains him. Forty days was a long time to go without the necessities of life; so it may be that we need to go without things to fulfill what God intends for us to do.
He uses the talents of His people and their willingness. We are all different but God can use any willing person to complete a work that he wants to do for Him. He accepts what is done and sets a date. It is more important to God than to us to have everything done in order and on time. We dare not procrastinate or do a second -rate work.
He moves to the place of meeting. God commits Himself to a work done in His way, in His time, in accordance with His revealed will. He guides His people throughout their journey. We have not been left alone without guidance as to what God’s will is and how He wants it to be done. His presence is with us as we journey through this world today.
“O all-seeing, all knowing God: when I read these pages, it came forcibly to me that You have an order and a plan for every work and every person. We are not called to be exactly alike or to do the same things as others. The real concern I have is for the presence of the Lord with us all the way to the end of the journey. I appreciate the rest You give along the road. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”