God's Faces

God called His people stiff-necked, telling Moses He would not go with them into the promised land lest His anger consume them along the way. Instead, He would send an angel to drive out the enemy before them. Moses knew they deserved such abandonment and sin’s consequences of sure destruction, but appealed to God for mercy, reminding Him this nation was His people. God extend grace, replying, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Ex 33:14). Interestingly, the word presence is “paniyn,” plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun “paneh,” the face (as the part that turns). God told His undeserving people “His faces would go with them,” varying His appearance, meeting their needs.

God showed grace and mercy for stubborn and rebellious people, sending Jesus to die for the sins of the world. His presence walks with His children today; His face turns, meeting our needs. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will never leave us (Heb 13:5). But to appeal to God’s grace and goodness like Moses, you must first know Him. Confess your sins and turn away from the stubbornness of going your way, invite Jesus to govern your life. When you do, God’s “faces” will journey this life with you, supplying everything you need to live victoriously.