Exodus 33-34 | Seeking God's Presence, Not Just His Blessings

Episode Summary:

In this episode of No Dusty Bibles, we explore Exodus 33-34, where Moses encounters God in a powerful way. After Israel’s failure with the golden calf, God offers to send them to the Promised Land—but without His presence. Moses refuses to settle for blessings without God Himself and boldly asks, “Show me Your glory.” These chapters remind us that the greatest gift God gives us is Himself. Join us as we reflect on what it means to truly seek God—not just for what He can do, but for who He is.

Key Highlights from the Episode Overview of the Passage:

• Exodus 33:
  • God tells Moses He will send Israel to the Promised Land but will not go with them because of their sin.
  • Moses pleads with God, saying, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).
  • Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God reveals that He will pass by and proclaim His name and goodness.
• Exodus 34:
  • God renews His covenant with Israel despite their failures.
  • He declares His character: “The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
  • Moses spends 40 days on the mountain, returning with a radiant face after encountering God.

Key Themes or Lessons:

1. The Priority of God’s Presence – Moses understood that without God, no amount of blessing was enough. Are we willing to say the same? Do we value time with God over temporary success? (Exodus 33:15)
2. God’s Character is the Foundation of Our Faith – When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God revealed His nature, not just His power. Knowing who God is helps us trust Him fully (Exodus 34:6-7).
3. Seeking Transformation Over Transaction – The Israelites wanted God's blessings, but Moses wanted God Himself. When we pursue relationship over results, we experience true spiritual transformation (Exodus 33:18).

Devotional Application: "Seeking More of God"

Moses could have settled for a life of comfort, success, and answered prayers—but he wanted something greater. He longed for God’s presence above everything else.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of seeking God for what He can do—help with decisions, provision, healing—but are we seeking Him for who He is?

• Do we carve out intentional time just to be with Him?
• Do we study His character to know Him deeper?
• Do we worship not just in need, but in gratitude for who He is?

If we’re not careful, we can settle for spiritual “success” without intimacy with God. But the true prize of our faith isn’t the Promised Land—it’s God Himself.

Stay Connected

• No Dusty Bibles Community: We're more than just a podcast; we're a community committed to keeping our Bibles open and active. Dive deeper into God's Word and connect with fellow believers who share your passion for Scripture.
• Weekly Email Sign-Up: Interested in getting more out of your Bible study? Sign up to receive our weekly email at No Dusty Bibles. Every Monday we’ll send you a weekly reading plan and extra resources to enhance your understanding of the Bible.
• The Rescued Letters Collective: Learn more about our broader mission at The Rescued Letters Collective. Visit this link for more information and to follow us on social media. Stay connected with us and be part of a movement that brings hope and healing through the power of God's Word.

We love hearing from our listeners! Share your insights, questions, or prayer requests. Join our online community for supportive and engaging discussions or email us at hello@therescuedletters.com.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the No Dusty Bibles Podcast. Remember, every page turned in the Bible is a step closer to understanding the heart of God. We're here to journey with you, one chapter at a time.

Acknowledgment

In our daily readings, we are grateful to utilize the World English Bible (WEB) translation, a resource committed to making the words of Scripture accessible to all. The WEB is in the public domain, allowing it to be freely used and shared. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the contributors and supporters of the World English Bible for their dedication to making this valuable translation available to the public. Their work enables us to explore and share the Bible's teachings with everyone, furthering our mission to make the Bible accessible and available for every woman.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Desiring God’s Presence: Moses refused to move forward without God. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been seeking God’s blessings more than His presence?
2. Knowing God Personally: God revealed His character to Moses. How can you grow in knowing who God is, rather than just what He does?
3. Experiencing God’s Glory: Moses longed to see more of God. What practical steps can you take to spend more intentional time in His presence this week?

Closing Encouragement:

Thank you for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember, God’s presence is the greatest gift—more valuable than any blessing or answered prayer. Let’s pursue knowing Him deeply and seeking His presence over everything else.

If today’s episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others grow in their faith. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your faith strong. See you next time!