What Moses Knew About Guidance
The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, highlighting its impact on our worship, lives, and ability to find rest and comfort in the midst of trials.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that Moses understood the vital importance of God's presence for guidance and direction in life. He highlights Moses' declaration that without God's presence, he would not move forward, illustrating that true guidance comes from being in communion with God. Wilkerson points out that just as God's presence set Israel apart from other nations, it is the presence of God that distinguishes the church today. He reassures believers that God's promise of rest and peace is available to those who seek His presence, allowing them to navigate life's challenges with confidence. Ultimately, the sermon encourages Christians to rely on God's presence for divine order and tranquility in their lives.
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Moses was convinced that without God's presence in his life, it was useless for him to attempt anything. When he spoke face to face with the Lord, he said, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). He was saying, "Lord, if your presence is not with me, then I'm not going anywhere. I won't take a single step unless I'm assured that you're beside me!"
Moses knew that God's presence in Israel was what set the people apart from all other nations. And the same is true in the church of Jesus Christ today. The only thing that sets us apart from nonbelievers is God's presence -- leading us, guiding us, working his will in and through us.
Moses was not concerned about how other nations received their guidance, formed their strategies, ran their governments or directed their armies. His philosophy was, "We operate on one principle alone. The only way for us to be guided or governed, to make war and survive in this wasteland, is to have the presence of God with us!"
God answered Moses' bold statement in this way: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (33:14). What an incredible promise! The Hebrew word for "rest" here means "a comfortable, quiet repose." God is saying, "No matter what enemies or trials you face, you'll always be able to find a quiet rest in me."
A church body that has God's presence in its midst will live, move and worship in a quiet confidence in the Lord at all times. The same is true for every individual Christian. If you have the presence of Jesus in your life, you will experience God's divine order. You'll have a peace and a calm, with no fretting or anxiety, no running to and fro seeking guidance, no sense that the bottom is falling out. What a wonderful way to live!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of God's Presence
- A. Moses' dependence on God's presence
- B. The difference God's presence makes in our lives
- II. God's Presence in the Church
- A. The church's uniqueness due to God's presence
- B. The impact of God's presence on our worship and lives
- III. God's Promise of Rest
- A. The Hebrew meaning of 'rest'
- B. The comfort and peace that come from God's presence
- IV. Living with God's Presence
- A. The confidence that comes from God's presence
- B. The absence of anxiety and fear
Key Quotes
“If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” — David Wilkerson
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — David Wilkerson
“We operate on one principle alone. The only way for us to be guided or governed, to make war and survive in this wasteland, is to have the presence of God with us!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should depend on God's presence in our lives and seek His guidance and direction at all times.
- Having God's presence in our lives gives us a sense of rest and comfort, even in the midst of trials and enemies.
- We should live in a quiet confidence in the Lord at all times, trusting in His divine order and peace.