2 God Reveals Himself: Exodus 33:12—34:9
2
God Reveals Himself
Exodus 33:12—34:9
“I can’t do this!” “Sure, you tell me I’m the perfect person for the job and then you leave me alone to do it!” “I’m in over my head!” “I can’t handle such a hopeless mess!” “How did I ever get into this?” “I need help!”
Ever said those things? If only somebody would come along and help you! Where is the right person when you need him or her? Just to know that somebody cared would make all the difference. Moses asked God for help and received a dramatic answer: the presence of God himself!
GROUP DISCUSSION. When have you been in the presence of a person who inspired awe? Talk about your feelings and why you felt that way.
PERSONAL REFLECTION. When have you had an experience of sensing that God was “right there” and you were in his presence? Would you describe it as:
__encouraging __comforting __hair-raising __made me feel small __made me feel guilty __made me feel loved __something else:
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Faced with overwhelming responsibilities, Moses prayed for reassurance and the certainty of God’s presence. Read Exodus 33:12-23.
1. What did Moses most want from God, and how did God respond?
2. Which of Moses’ statements sounds most like what you say to God (or would like to say to God!) when you’re under extreme pressure of responsibilities, especially for other people (vv. 12-16)?
3. Why was Moses so concerned about God’s presence being with and going with Israel (vv. 14-16)?
4. What reassurance did God give Moses (vv. 14, 17)?
5. Imagine the tone of voice that Moses used when he spoke in verse 18. Think of (and demonstrate) several possibilities. Why do you think Moses made that particular request?
6. What did God promise to do, and with what conditions (vv. 19-23)?
7. How is there both intimacy and majesty in the way God would show himself to Moses?
8. Read Exodus 34:1-9. Moses asked to have God’s glory revealed to him, and God told Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets and bring them along to the mountain (34:1-4) so that God could write on them. What part do the commandments play in revealing God’s glory?
9. What words would you use to describe Moses’ possible feelings as the events in 34:5-7 were happening?
10. As the Lord passed in front of Moses, he proclaimed things about himself (34:6-7). How is God’s goodness revealed in each attribute he mentions?
11. Moses had asked for this revelation of God. How did he respond to it (34:8-9)? Notice both his actions and his words.
12. Although your life situation may be very different from that of Moses, how can knowing God lead you to respond as Moses did?
Spend time worshiping the Lord for who he is, praising him for his various attributes.
Now or Later
Study the uses of “name” throughout this Scripture passage. What significance do you see in the references to God knowing Moses by name, and God proclaiming his name to Moses?