The following notes are adapted from Rev Aries Zulkarnain's preaching on "Valuing Our Relationship With God" as preached in City Harvest Church on 1 July 2023.
Don't give up at half-time, concentrate on winning the second half.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) reminds us that: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33:1-3; NIV)
God was not convinced that the Israelites were aware of their depravity in sinning against Him. Nevertheless, He was still going to fulfill His promise to their forefathers and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
Many of us may rejoice over the blessings of God, but do not truly value our personal relationship with Him.
But, Moses had an incisive recognition and understanding of God's heart. ""Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.""
The gift of the fear of the LORD is Jesus' delight (Isaiah 11:3). Jesus puts greater value on His relationship with the Father than what the Father can provide and do through Him.
Here is how we can value our relationship with God:-
1. Valuing the Presence of God
Exodus 33 (NIV)
v.3 "But I will not go with you...". You can have My blessing without a personal relationship with Me.
"I obey to delight in and resemble Him." - Timothy Keller
Idolatry may cause us to be distant from God.
v. 15-16 The he said to Him, "If Your presence does not go with us..." What makes us distinct is our relationship with God. The presence of God carries the grace and favour of God. Just because you are blessed does not mean you have the grace and favour of God. The presence of God will ensure that you remain blessed in both good and hard times.
Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)
The people who know their God will do great exploits. They are: Resilient, Hopeful, Positive and Strong.
With God all things are possible.
God says, "I am with you."
2. Valuing God over Good
Exodus 33:2-3 "... Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey..."
The hardest dilemma is God or good.
Do not just see good equal God. God is good all the time.
Choose God over inconvenience and difficulties.
It is in the struggle that we develop strength and resilience. Recognize God in your struggles. With the presence and anointing of God, you can continue in all circumstances. Moses asked God for a glimpse of His glory.
v. 18 (NIV) "Then Moses said, “Now show me Your glory.”"
v.19 (NIV) "And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Moses asked to see God's glory, but God showed His goodness instead. God wanted Moses to first understand that God is good all the time.
See that God is good but do not equate good with God. God is still good regardless of our circumstances, experience in life and understanding of Him. Be patient. Spend time with God and enjoy your fellowship with Him.
God is entirely good. Blessing and riches are not our security. Many people are successful in life without having a personal relationship with God.
The presence of God makes a Christian distinctive. Surely, the presence of the King of Kings would more than meet all our needs.
3. Valuing God's Heart
Who? Me? Stiff-necked?
v. 4-6 (NIV) "When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’” So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb."
The LORD makes His face shine upon you. He is smiling when He looks at you. God is always full of love towards us. Our facial expression reflects our heart.
Remember to consider the feelings of God in your expression during moments that are important to Him. Give due honour, praise and worship to God.
 |
| Fountain of Life By Shirnise Lee Prophetic Art Ministry, City Harvest Church |
"The fountain of life flows from you to satisfy me. In your light of holiness we receive the light of revelation." Psalm 36:9 (TPT)
