And God said, “You know what? You go on up to the land flowing with milk and honey, but I'm not going with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33: 3,4) When Moses relayed this message to the children of Israel, they were greatly disturbed and began to mourn. The Israelites had turned away from God and as a result, they took the risk of having to fend for themselves.
Today we see the awful results of man’s turning away from the only true God. It comes in the form of acts of terrorism, violence, and destruction. The curious thing is that these acts are often perpetrated in the name of God, (but not the God I know) for the ruination and death of thousands in despicable ways. We also have experienced the deterioration of society and the sanctity of family as man moves farther and farther away from what was established for our happiness.
True happiness and peace is generated by the love we have for one another, because without love there is no happiness. God is love (1 John 4: 7,8). So you see, without the presence of God, we self-destruct. The children of Israel were wise enough to know that without God’s presence with them they didn't have a chance.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14: 6) Therefore, without God there is no love, there is no happiness, there is no life.
All the good things in life come from the source of life. It is separation from God that results in death. The presence of God, then, becomes essential.
Moses said to God in Exodus 33:16, “If you do not go with us, what else will distinguish me and your people on the face of the earth?” The only difference between us and the world is the presence of God.
Jesus has chosen me and you to carry His presence within us to make a difference in this world of ours. For, as without God there is no life, with God there is life everlasting (John 5: 24). How awesome is that thought! We who have accepted Jesus into our lives actually bring, with us, life to a dying world.
The antediluvian world did not all perish, because of Noah, the one man in all the earth who knew and carried God.
In this time of hate, fear, and tragedy, when the world seems doomed to destruction, God has YOU to spread His message of Love and that is a great privilege for us. What better way to honor Him than by shining our light in His name.
copyright 2/21/2016
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