A Cleft in the Rock

Tom Barnard

 

“Then the Lord said, ‘There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.

When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you

with my hand until I have passed by.’”

(Exodus 33:22)

 

Moses wanted to see God. This would be a totally new experience for him. He had seen the pillar of cloud that God had sent, but he had not seen God face to face. They had spoken to each other, and he recognized the voice of God when he heard it. He was in awe. But he was getting a bit anxious. God had said to him, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (33:14). That was good. And God said more: “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name” (v. 17). That too was good. But Moses wanted more. He asked for something that was not part of the agreement. Moses said, “Now show me Your glory.” He asked for too much. God said, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (v. 20). Moses didn’t want to die.

 

So the Lord offered a compromise. He told Moses that there was a place near Him where Moses could stand on a rock. And when the glory of the Lord passed by, God said he would cover Moses with his hand until he was had passed him, at which point the Lord would remove his hand so that Moses could see God passing by. And he did.

 

How does this old story relate to us today? Here’s how. The Lord has called you to a task that seems greater than you thought possible for you to do. He promised to be with you. Not enough? Are you ready for this? The words Moses heard are being spoken again: “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock…I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you….” Did you catch that? The key words are “near me.” God has placed you on firm footing next to Him! You are not alone! He is standing there beside you, where there is safety. Acknowledge it personally. Claim the promise!

 

Heavenly Father, I claim today the promise you made to Moses centuries ago. You stood with him at a crucial time in his life and protected him. I need that protection now. The task before me is greater than I can do alone. I need you to stand beside me. I need your strength. I need your power. I need you to go before me and prepare the way for me. I rest in the assurance that as you were with Moses in times past, you will be with me today. In the strong Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.