…but god… Episode 8
Transcript
“And it came about, whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent. Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.”
Exodus 33:8-11 NASB1995
Today let’s focus on verse 10.
“When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent.”Exodus 33:10. For the most part The Israelites followed the lead of Moses. It seems when they did things on their own they made some mistakes (building a golden calf and worshiping it as their god, complaining, griping and overall discord.) However, when Moses talks to God the Israelites seem to placate to what Moses is doing. While Moses is talking to God and being the peoples intermediary the people are worshiping God.
Two things here. Sometimes we realize that we need an example to be set for us. Because if we don’t have that example set we will get into trouble. However, once that example is set within that time, we can also get into a comfort zone. I think that is where most of the Israelites were. Their daily needs were being taken care of, they were shown when and how to worship God, otherwise they just went about their daily routine.
We sometimes get into a rut like this as followers of Christ. Sunday worship, midweek service, maybe a prayer group when we feel like it. Rinse and repeat. Where is the ownership of our relationship with God through Christ? Where is our service to others? How are we being the hands and feet of Jesus by just being followers? We also must be doers! “Faith without works is useless” James 2:20. Jesus calls us to go out into the world and be His wittinesses to tell all of His great mercies and grace.
Yes, it’s great to have mentors like Moses and the other heroes of the Bible. However, at some point we must be like Joshua and step out on our own, have a relationship with God on our own and be doers of God’s word, rather than just a follower.
Followers, turn into leaders by doing! Let’s not get complacent like the Israelites. Let us take responsibility for our faith! Let us be both followers and doers!
Lord, thank you for giving us great examples to follow. Thank you that we can follow them and follow you. Help us to be leaders too. Help us to step up and stand in the gap. Help us to seek you and what you want us to do and how you want us to serve. Help us to be both followers and doers, so that you can grow your kingdom. We pray these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Blessings and Press On and Press In!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
