As Moses stayed at the top of Mount Sinai with God, the people of Israel made themselves a gold calf which they were worshiping and dancing around. The Lord God knew their wickedness of whoring  with idols so that he punished the people be sending a disease on the people. Later God said to Moses to be ready to enter the land “flowing with milk and honey” he had promised to his people, but God refused to go with them himself in case he anger flared up and destroyed on the way. When the people heard this they started to mourn. Moses repeatedly pleaded with God to go with his people. “If you do not go with us, don’t make us leave this place,” asked Moses. At last, God said, “I will go with you, and I will give you victory” (Exodus 33:14).

God promised Moses to send an angel to guide them on the way to the promised land, but what Moses wanted was God’s presence with his people. God promised Moses to drive out his enemy and give victory to his people, but Moses asked God to go with them. For Moses living in the presence of the Lord is his life priority over victory, blessing and anything else.

Do we Christians like Moses treasure his presence more than his gifts and blessings? Do we enjoy the good but ignore the One who gives goodness?