July 8, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 33 – “Lord, show me Your glory!”
How God’s Presence Becomes Our Greatest Hope and Deepest Longing

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Bible Text – Exodus 33 (KJV)

1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:

2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

3 Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.

5 For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

6 And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.

7 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

8 And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.

9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

12 And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

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Introduction

What do you do when you don’t know what comes next—and you wonder if God is still with you? In Exodus 33 we witness a holy moment. The people of Israel are at their lowest point: disobedient, stubborn, humiliated. Yet in the midst of it, Moses stands up as intercessor, friend of God—and makes one of the deepest petitions in all Scripture:
“Let me see Your glory.”

This scene reveals not only God’s holiness but also Moses’ heart—and God’s grace. It’s no longer just about the Promised Land, but about something far deeper: God’s presence.

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Commentary

1.God’s Warning and Grace (vv. 1–6)

God announces that He will no longer go with them personally. An angel will lead them—but God Himself will stay apart, because they are a “stiff-necked people.”
This separation shatters the community. They mourn and remove their jewelry—a sign of humility and repentance. Here we see:

• Sin separates.

• True repentance recognizes God’s holiness.

2.The Meeting in the Tent (vv. 7–11)

Moses sets up the tabernacle tent outside the camp—a designated place to meet God. Whoever wants to inquire of the Lord must go out there.
There, God speaks with Moses “face to face, as one speaks with a friend.” An intimate, holy moment.
Yet a tension remains: Moses can hear and experience God, but cannot yet see Him.

3.Moses’ Intercession and Request for God’s Presence (vv. 12–17)

Moses intercedes:

• He reminds God of His promises.

• He doesn’t ask for protection, power, or blessing—but for God’s presence:
  “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (v. 15)
  Moses realizes: what good is the Promised Land if God is not with them? It isn’t the place, but God’s presence that makes it holy.

4.“Show Me Your Glory” (vv. 18–23)

Moses dares to make a bold request:
“Show me Your glory.”
God’s response is profound:

• His goodness will pass before Moses.

• He will proclaim His name—revealing His character.

• Moses cannot see His face (for no one can see God’s full glory and live), but God will shelter him in a cleft of the rock and cover him with His hand until He passes by, allowing Moses to see His “back.”
  God gives Moses as much as he can bear—in love and mercy.

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Summary

Exodus 33 teaches us about:

• The tension between God’s holiness and His grace

• True repentance and the longing for God’s presence

• Moses’ courageous intercession and deep desire for intimacy with God

• God’s willingness to reveal Himself to humanity—as far as we can withstand

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Message for Us Today

In an age of spiritual coldness, confusion, and superficiality, God calls us not first into the “Promised Land,” but into the closeness of His presence.

We need:

• Not just God’s blessing—but His presence.

• Not just external guidance—but inner fellowship.

• Not just words about God—but encounter with Him.

Like Moses, we can pray:
“Lord, if You do not go with us, we will not go on.”

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Reflection Questions

What are you seeking from God?
– A solution? A miracle? A way out?
Or will you dare today to ask:
“Show me Your glory”?
– Not to know more about Him, but to have more of Him?

Perhaps, like Moses, you will not see everything—but you will see enough to keep moving forward in trust, obedience, and the light of His character.

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July 06 – 12, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 15
The Marriage of Isaac
Read online here

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Introduction

In a world where personal freedom is often placed above wisdom and obedience, the story of Isaac’s marriage stands out as a radiant counterexample. It shows how God Himself takes the lead in one of life’s most important decisions: the choice of a spouse. Abraham, the father of faith, does not leave this matter to chance or mere emotion but trusts in divine guidance — and Isaac trusts him.

This event is not just a family story, but a powerful lesson about obedience, character formation, true love, and God’s blessing.

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Commentary

1. The Spiritual Significance of Marriage

Isaac’s marriage was not just a personal matter — it had implications for God’s plan for humanity. Isaac was the bearer of the promise; from his line would come the chosen people and, ultimately, the Messiah. A marriage with a Canaanite woman would have endangered that spiritual mission, as these peoples were deeply immersed in idolatry.

Key thought: Marriage is a spiritual covenant — it shapes generations.

2. Abraham’s Responsibility as a Father

Although old, Abraham takes full responsibility for Isaac’s marriage with great foresight. He sends Eliezer, his faithful servant, with a clear mission: the wife must come from their believing relatives — and Isaac must not travel to Mesopotamia.

Abraham’s trust in God’s guidance runs deep. He says with conviction:

“The Lord will send His angel before you.” (Genesis 24:7)

Key thought: Parental care and spiritual guidance are irreplaceable — especially in matters of the heart.

3. Eliezer’s Spiritual Attitude

Eliezer does more than just set out — he prays. At the well, he asks God for a sign of kindness and helpfulness — traits fitting for a God-fearing life. Rebekah’s response to his simple request becomes the answer to his prayer.

Key thought: Those who pray sincerely can recognize God’s guidance — even in everyday encounters.

4. Rebekah’s Decision – Free and Faithful Consent

Despite all the preparation, Rebekah’s own will is respected. When asked if she is willing to leave her homeland, she responds freely and confidently:

“Yes, I will go.” (Genesis 24:58)

Key thought: God leads — but He never forces. Obedience is always voluntary.

5. The Beginning of a Blessed Marriage

Isaac’s gentle character and upbringing in the fear of God prepare him for a blessed marriage. Rebekah becomes his wife, and the Bible says:

“He loved her… and was comforted after his mother’s death.” (Genesis 24:67)

Key thought: True love grows in the soil of faith, loyalty, and mutual dedication to God.

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Summary

Isaac’s marriage was the result of divine guidance, wise care, and voluntary consent.

Abraham, Eliezer, Rebekah, and Isaac all acted in faith, in prayer, and in obedience.

This marriage became a symbol of domestic happiness and a life under God’s blessing.

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Message for Us Today

Today, the choice of a life partner is often made emotionally and independently of God’s standards. The story of Isaac and Rebekah offers a different path:

Marriage is not a private adventure, but a sacred covenant in God’s presence.

Parents and spiritual mentors have an important role — their counsel is not a burden, but a protection.

Prayer and spiritual maturity matter more than appearances or fleeting emotions.

Those who seek God’s guidance will discover that He has prepared what the heart longs for.

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Reflection Question

Are you willing to let God lead in your most important life decisions — even in love?

Do you see marriage as a spiritual calling or just a romantic ideal?

Parents: Are you shaping your children’s character with love and example — or just letting them drift?

Young people: Do you see your parents as spiritual guides — or just critics?

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July 06 – 12, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 16
Jacob and Esau
Read online here

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Introduction

In Chapter 16 of Patriarchs and Prophets, we meet the twins Jacob and Esau — two brothers whose character and way of life could hardly be more different. Their rivalry is not centered on worldly ambition but on one of the most essential questions of the life of faith: How much does the spiritual mean to us — how valuable is God’s promise? It is a story about priorities, decisions, and their lifelong consequences.

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Commentary

1. Two Brothers – Two Life Attitudes

Jacob is reflective, future-oriented, spiritually inclined. Esau is impulsive, adventurous, focused on the here and now. Even in the womb, God announces that the older will serve the younger. While Jacob values the birthright as a spiritual inheritance, Esau nearly mocks it and carelessly sells it for a meal.

2. The Birthright: Responsibility and Blessing

It involved more than material possessions — it meant spiritual leadership, priestly responsibility, and the privilege of being in the line through which the Redeemer would come. This right carried great spiritual dignity — but also responsibility. Esau was indifferent to this. Jacob, by contrast, deeply desired it — but unfortunately tried to obtain it by deceit.

3. Rebekah’s Influence – Faith or Manipulation?

Knowing God’s promise, Rebekah does not wait on His timing but uses human scheming. Jacob obeys, but with a troubled conscience. The deception achieves the desired blessing — but at a high cost: family division, flight, decades of separation.

4. Isaac’s Turning Point – Human Will vs. Divine Plan

Although Isaac favored Esau, he recognized after the deception that God’s will had prevailed — and he affirmed the blessing upon Jacob. Human weakness is overridden by divine providence.

5. Esau – A Moment’s Decision

The tragic moment: Esau, who had long despised the spiritual blessing, now seeks it back with tears — too late. What moves him is not true repentance, but personal loss. His story becomes a warning to all who trade the eternal for the temporary.

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Summary

Jacob and Esau represent two attitudes toward God: spiritual striving versus carnal desire. While Jacob sought the right thing the wrong way, Esau rejected the right thing altogether. God’s plan is fulfilled despite human failure — but not without painful consequences.

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Message for Us Today

How much do we value God’s promises?

In a world full of distractions, offers, and instant gratification, it is easy to be like Esau — to trade the eternal for the immediate — whether through compromise in our faith or giving up spiritual principles for social or personal “peace.”

This story warns us: spiritual blessings are no game. God’s gifts are holy. When we understand their value, we will neither treat them carelessly nor try to obtain them through improper means. God fulfills His promises — but in His way, in His time, through those who trust Him.

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Reflection Thought

What decision I make today could impact my eternity?

Am I — like Esau — possibly trading the eternal for the immediate?

Do I trust God to uphold His promise without my interference — or, like Rebekah, am I tempted to “help Him out”?

Lord, teach me not to misuse Your gifts — and help me to value spiritual things above temporary gain.