Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” vs15-16

It is only by the presence of God that we can be different from others. We obey without his presence (like Jesus upon the cross,) but supernatural nearness transforms us into different people. We have rest. Exodus 33:14, “And he said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Let us SEEK THIS with all our might. Let us draw near, knowing that he is willing because of Christ. We most honor the Son's sacrifice by drawing near to the Father. Walking with him and diligently honoring him by his friendship and strength glorifies God. This brings us the highest joy and usefulness!

First, God will “go with us.” He's willing to be held, seen, and touched. He's willing to be friendly with us, as manifested by the coming and Person of King Jesus. He's willing to dwell in our bosom. He's willing to be found.

Moses had to seek the Lord. The Tabernacle was outside the camp. Exodus 33:7, “Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.” We must seek the Lord, confessing our sins. We must repent and draw near, asking the Father for strength. We must walk in God's will, doing all his good pleasure. This is the gift of grace. Jesus takes us up the mountain, where he is transfigured and reveals more of his glory [Matt 17:1]. He makes himself known as we obey.

Put away things that hinder fellowship. Trust him to be SO MUCH BETTER. Trust him to be found by the merit of Christ. We have so much access and hope!

Secondly, we are his people! Moses said, “I and your people.” Christ loves us and gave himself for us, so that we may draw near. He does not look upon our sin and say, “Stay away!” He always wants us to come. He put away our sins. Our blemishes are not charged to us. He finds no fault in us. Psalms 32:1, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” We are spotless and blameless. Confess your sins to your forgiving and loving Father. Get more strength from him. Do not fear that he'll abandon you. Keep seeking. Matthew 7:8, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

He calls us to himself, because he wants to give us more. He takes us higher in his love. He shows us favor and wonders. He reveals unseen beauty.

Don't let sin keep you away, nor fear of rejection. Don't satisfy yourself with lesser things. Do not feed on the swine's husks. We have the HIGHEST privileges. We are his people, and he's our God, Father, and Friend.

Thirdly, "so shall we be different." The difference isn't rules or doctrine; it is Christ on the heart by faith, empowering us to be better people. The difference isn't giving money! It is doing it because we love God, and he's near to us.

Our deeds are not to impress God or man. They are to obtain mercy, and then be merciful. They are to find him, and then give him to others [Song 3:4]. They are never to deserve. They are the fruit of faith, which is believing God's goodness through Christ. Love for others results!

It's so sweet when the Spirit is upon us. He changes us from grouchy to glad, from hateful to tender, and he enables us to point others to Christ. It's not a fleshly ministry for self. It's wrought in us by God and the fruit of rest! Bless his holy name! He makes us serve him, sincerely, and lovingly. He takes away the striving and bitterness. He enables us to forgive.