by Jordy van Gaalen

He knows you by name

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“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’
Then Moses said to him, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?
And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.'”
Exodus 33:14-17 New International Version

God’s presence was with the Israelites. They could see His physical presence in the form of a cloud, as He guided them from Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. His very presence showed them the way.

“The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”
Exodus 13:21-22 NIV

Today, God’s presence and guidance doesn’t often feel the same. In many seasons of my life I long for an obvious and physical presence of God. It may not appear as a cloud, but we know His Holy Spirit is present. We lean into this promise and the God we know Him to be. He poured out these blessings on the Isrealites and He pours them out for us today.

He goes with us and He gives us rest. This rest is in the assurance of His salvation, His love, and His Presence. 

Even while we dwell in the deserts, when we can’t see where we are going, and when we fear what is around the bend, His goodness is ever prevailing. He is merciful and He is compassionate. Jesus has made a way for us to be in full communion and eternal life with God. Because of this, we are His sons and daughters, heirs to a loving Father.

He is pleased with us, thanks to the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. He knows us by name. He knows the very hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30); our struggles and insecurities, our worries, our longings, and our deep seated hopes. 

God’s Presence is with us today and every day. He guides us through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Eternal life in Heaven is awaiting. Take heart, and rest in the Presence of Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado