What distinguishes you from those around you? Is there anything at all that you won’t leave home without? Something that gives you confidence and courage?

Moses was asked to perform an amazing feat: lead a nation out of slavery in Egypt to a land of their own. Considering the number of people and the magnitude of organizing them, the task was formidable. Moses gave up all of the luxuries of Egypt in obedience to God’s call on his life. He left with a group of slaves, learning right away that they were prone to complaining. Moses knew what it was that made it possible to continue in obedience. This is what he said:

One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.  How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

Exodus 33:12-16

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty.

Exodus 34:6-7

When compared to the gods of other nations, Yahweh was completely other. He allowed his people to know exactly how he felt about them and what his expectations were. He led them faithfully with his presence and never abandoned them, even when they were foolish.

I serve a God who is not only filled with compassion, mercy, love and faithfulness but also completely just. In the New Testament, I am told that I am — we are together — the temple of the Holy Spirit of God. He lives in us. (See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Don’t leave home without Him! In his presence, everything is going to be fine for you — and for me!