From Wandering to Worship: The Road Back to God - Exodus 33

Life has a way of slowly carrying us away from where we truly belong without us even realizing it. We wander not through overt rebellion but through quiet neglect. Our relationship with God isn't the grand theater of defiance we might imagine; it happens quietly, as prayers become infrequent and Scripture gathers dust.

The ancient Israelites offer us a reflection. As Moses communed with God on Mount Sinai, his people grew restless, impatient with God's timing. How familiar this narrative feels when our own plans, impatient and unchecked, lead us away.

3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

Consecration: Setting Ourselves Apart for God Repentance begins with consecration, a setting apart of our lives for God once more. James puts it this way: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). Consecration requires a hard look at our lives—what are our hands doing that they shouldn’t, what desires have taken root that don’t align with God’s heart?

True Confession: Laying Down Our Pride In confessing, we don't offer God a half-hearted apology but a raw acknowledgment of our waywardness. 1 John 2:1 reminds us of Jesus' advocacy, even as we're unaware of the depths of our estrangement. This honest admission brings us closer to the heart of God.

The Contrite Heart: Removing Stubborn Pride God referred to the Israelites as "stiff-necked," a term that surfaces in our own self-defense when critiqued. Yet, Scripture declares, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). To confess is to humbly admit need. To return requires a contrite spirit willing to submit to God’s direction.

The Moment of Decision: Choosing Presence Over Blessing Imagine God offering you everything your heart desires, yet without His presence. The Israelites faced this choice when God promised the Promised Land but not His presence. They mourned and removed their ornaments, those treasures in which they took pride (Exodus 33:4-6). We face the same choice, often elevating achievements above our relationship with God.

What are the "ornaments" in your life, the statuses and possessions you might relinquish if they draw you from His presence? Jesus’s conversation with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) illustrates the exact tension between worldly wealth and spiritual fulfillment.

Returning to Your First Love: Creating Sacred Space Moses’ radical step in pitching a tent far from distractions shows a deep commitment to meeting with God (Exodus 33:7). Do you have a "tent of meeting" where you can tune into God’s voice amidst the noise?

During the pandemic, many found new ways to invite God into every corner of their homes, experiencing worship deeply woven into daily life.

Standing on Grace Alone: Where Do You Find Rest? In his intercession, Moses didn’t claim superiority but stood on grace alone, reminding us that our standing before God is nothing more than unmerited favor. God's grace offers rest from striving. Romans 5:8 teaches that while we were His adversaries, Christ died for us.
Moses boldly declared to God, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). In every decision, this must be our desire—His presence over everything else.

As Moses sought to see God’s glory, he was shown His goodness—a profound revelation. Exodus 33:19 tells us, "I will make all My goodness pass before you." The glory we seek is often found in His unwavering goodness, a testament more stunning than any natural wonder.

When Moses shattered the tablets, God instructed him to create new ones, reiterating the unchanged law. God’s word remains steadfast (Exodus 34:1). John 1:1 refers to Jesus as the eternal Word, unchanging across time.

Living in Brooklyn, where life moves at a breakneck pace, the temptation to be self-sufficient is strong. Yet the journey back demands the humility to confess our need for God and prioritize His presence above the city’s fleeting allure. Whether on a crowded subway or amid busy streets, make space for a "tent of meeting" within your heart.

Returning to God requires sincere commitment. Are you ready to make the journey back? Can you declare, "Lord, if I can’t have You, I don’t want any of it"? His arms are open wide, ready to welcome you home.

Let's pray: Father, Your goodness is beyond our understanding, yet always near. We confess our wandering, our pride, and we ask for Your grace to return fully to You. May Your presence be our deepest desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Consecration involves dedicating oneself to God, setting aside distractions and aligning one’s actions with His will.

Humility allows us to acknowledge our need for God’s grace, preventing pride from hindering our relationship with Him.

Set aside time and space for prayer and Scripture reading, allowing these moments to seep into every aspect of your daily life.

Absolutely. God’s grace is sufficient for all sins, and He’s always ready to welcome a repentant heart.

Use these insights to guide you back into the heart of God. Embrace His unchanging Word, experience His unending goodness and let His presence lead you home.