Benescke Janse van Rensburg
In the Sinai desert the Israelites were angry, discouraged and confused. They had the promise that God would lead them to a promised land, but here they were, trapped in the desert. Like naughty children, they complained. They were tired of manna and quails. They forgot about God’s miracles. They even forgot about God.
This horrible attitude grieved God. In Exodus 33: 1-3 we read His words to Moses: “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I will send an angel before you. . . But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."
This message from God shocked Moses. The people would get what they beg for and enter the Promised Land – but at a high price. They would have to do this without God. To Moses, this was unacceptable. He knew God's presence and also knew they would be lost without it.
In Matthew 6:33 we read: ". . . seek first the kingdom of god and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Perhaps this is the question we should ask ourselves today: Are we serving God for his promises or are we serving Him because we desire a relationship with Him? At times we might also have to wait one or two seasons longer because we trust God, rather than becoming like the Israelites and following our own path when we feel that God takes too long to answer.
Moses knew the presence of God. We read that God spoke to him like a friend. They had a relationship. For this reason, Moses chose to rather stay in the wilderness than enter the Promised Land without God. God saw this and honored it. Will you do the same? God bless.
Father God, thank you very much for every promise in your Word. Please help me not to get so focused on the promises that I forget about you. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Feedback: Please give feedback or share your testimony of God's breakthroughs in your life at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I look forward to hearing from you. Benescke