DAY 3 / THE DEFINING MARK

On day one we reflected on why we should personally desire to pursue God’s presence. On day two we considered the beautiful truth that God desires our presence. Today, we are going to wrestle with this – Why should we, as a church family, pursue the presence of God together?

In Exodus 33, we’re given a powerful moment between God and Moses. God tells Moses that the people may go on to the promised land, but He will not go with them (33:1-6). Moses responds with a plea that still speaks to the Church today. He says, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here… Is it not in your going with us that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16).

For Israel, God’s presence was the defining mark – the thing that set them apart from every other nation. It wasn’t their strength, obedience, strategies, or traditions. It was simply that God was with them.

The same is true for us. What distinguishes the Church is not the day we gather, the songs we sing, or the cultural patterns we reject or embrace. What makes us different – what truly sets us apart – is the presence of the living God dwelling among His people.

And the good news? Because of Jesus, we have full access to that presence. Hebrews 4 reminds us that we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” because of Christ’s finished work (4:14-16).

PRAY

Read Exodus 33 and Hebrews 4:14-16. Ask the Lord to show you – Is His presence shaping my life in a way that sets me apart, or am I blending in with the world around me?