Exodus 33 God’s Glory

Finding Sanctuary in His Presence

Bible Passage: Exodus 33:12-23

Summary: In this passage, Moses intercedes with God, seeking His favor and presence as the Israelites face the consequences of their sins. Moses desires to know God more deeply, asking for assurance of God's presence and revealing glory.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to seek refuge and strength in God's presence, especially in times of struggle or when feeling distant from Him. It reassures believers that God desires a personal relationship and is willing to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer, the pursuit of God's glory, and the deep relationship that believers can cultivate through earnest communication with God. It highlights Moses as a model for how we can approach God with humility and longing.

How this passage could point to Christ: Moses' request to see God's glory points to the greater revelation of God's glory in Christ, who is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and is Himself the ultimate intercessor for humanity before the Father (Romans 8:34).

Moses meeting God was kind of like getting front-row tickets to the greatest show on Earth! Picture him standing there, eyes wide open, witnessing the burning bush that wasn't consumed. How many times do we miss out on God’s glory around us? It’s like sitting at a concert but staring at your phone! Let’s put down our distractions and truly experience God’s wonders—that spectacular display of His glory, ready to ignite our hearts!

Big Idea:

God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, reminding us that in His presence we find our true sanctuary and strength to face life’s challenges.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider delving into the nuances of Moses' relationship with God in the context of Exodus. Examining the significance of God's 'glory' and 'presence' will be important, including how these concepts transition into the New Testament understanding of Christ's glory. Utilize Logos to explore commentaries focusing on Exodus alongside resources that dissect the theological implications of intercession in prayer.

1. Promise of His Presence

Exodus 33:12-14

Perhaps you can highlight how God’s promise of His presence is a tremendous source of comfort and assurance. In these verses, God responds to Moses’ plea for His presence, assuring him that His presence will bring rest. Stress that as believers, we can trust in God’s promise of never leaving nor forsaking us, as fulfilled through the indwelling presence of Christ. This assurance should inform our confidence to approach God with our prayers, just as Moses did.

2. Plea for His Presence

Exodus 33:15-17

You could emphasize the necessity of God's presence for true identity and distinction. In this passage, Moses insists that without God’s presence, the people would be lost. Stress that God’s presence sets His people apart, giving them a unique identity. Today, through Christ, believers are marked by the Holy Spirit, signifying that we are His. Encourage Christians that seeking and relying on God is crucial for direction and identity.

3. Pursuit of His Glory

Exodus 33:18-23

Maybe illustrate how Moses' bold request to see God's glory reveals a deeper longing for communion with Him. God graciously agrees to reveal His glory in a limited way, pointing forward to the full revelation in Jesus Christ, who embodies God’s glory. This longing for glory can lead believers into a deeper relationship with Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God’s glory and presence. Urge believers to seek God's glory actively, trusting in Christ’s intercession and revelation.

The pressures of daily life can leave you feeling spiritually depleted. Carve out time on Sunday mornings before church to immerse yourself in God’s Word. Read scripture aloud and invite family members to join, discussing how God’s promise of sanctuary can fortify you this week. By starting your week anchored in His promises, you equip yourself to face life’s challenges with renewed perspective, drawing strength from His presence together as a family.