He Hideth My Soul
Scripture: Exo. 33:18-23; 34:10-11
Thrust: God will grant the desires of our heart while putting a hedge about us so that we aren’t consumed by our desires.
1. Moses’ Twofold Request
A. Teach me Your Ways (Exo. 33:13)
”For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 58:8-9)
B. Show Me Your Glory (Exo. 33:18)
”Make this Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” (Exo. 25:9)
God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the Ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. (1 Sam. 6:19)
The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the Ark of God. (2 Sam. 6:7)
2. God’s Two-fold Response
A. I Will Pass In Front Of You (Exo. 33:19)
Theophany: a visible manifestation to mankind of God
B. You Will See My Back (Exo. 33:23)
There is a place near Me where you may stand on a rock. (Exo. 33:21)
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge. (Psa 73:28)
I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. (Exo. 33:22)
He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psa. 91:4)
3. The Two-fold Result
A. God Made a Covenant With Mosts (Exo 34:10)
I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.
B. God Promised to Remove the Enemies (Exo. 34:11)
Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.