Distinguishing mark
This week I have been reading Exodus. This incredible book tells of how God worked through Moses to bring the Israelites out from slavery in Egypt. Once they were ‘free’ God spoke to Moses about being with them on their journey...
“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? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?’”
The first thing that strikes me is that it appears that Moses and God are having a conversation like two people! This is the almighty creator of the universe chatting with a mere human! That reveals that God wants a relationship with people. Secondly, the heart cry of Moses was that without God being with them then they will not stand out from others. It was the presence of God that made all the difference. The same is true today. As God’s people, we need a ‘real’ sense of the presence of God in the whole of life, otherwise what’s the point? That should be our distinguishing mark.
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader