The Presence of The Lord (Exodus 33:12-23; 34:5-9, 34-35)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
11 May 2025
Moses was under great pressure and needed assurance of God’s presence.
Such presence would distinguish Israel from all other nations. Similarly, Christ’s presence in the Christian Church distinguishes the Church from all other institutions. Christians, like Israel, are separated from the world to serve God.
God granted Moses his presence. It is granted in 3 ways. It is:
1. Proclamatory
2. Partial
3. Protective
Proclamatory, because God’s character would be revealed. He is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abounding in goodness and truth.
Partial, because no one could see the Lord completely. Moses would only see the Lord’s back, and not his face.
Protective, because the Lord hid Moses from a full view of himself. No one can see God and live.
Thanks be to our merciful God who has sent Jesus into this world. From the Bible we see the Lord Jesus full of grace and truth.
God’s presence evokes worship. Upon seeing the Lord, Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped. When people saw Jesus for who he is they worshipped him in awe.
Consider for instance, Peter after the great haul of fish (Luke 5:8), or Thomas upon seeing the risen Lord (John 20:28).
God’s presence is transformative. Moses’s face shone. Christians also are transformed first, inwardly, and one day in the future, outwardly.
Concerning the presence of the Lord there are lessons for us.
Read and meditate on the Bible for the Lord’s presence is found therein. The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ Jesus who is the subject of the Bible. Seek Jesus in the Bible. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Worship the Lord. Just as Moses was constrained to worship so we also are led to worship God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be transformed now by being Christ-like. Let your presence in the world be a witness of the living Lord.
Be ready for future transformation when we shall see Jesus as he is and be like him (1 John 3:2).
Praise God for his presence through Christ Jesus. Emmanuel, God is with us! Hallelujah!