Mission Purpose Over-ride II

Still on the golden calf aftermath (now in Ex 33), God commands the people to go on up to the promised land. Yet this is accompanied with the devastating words

but I will not go with you

This is tragic - sure they get to live in the land of milk and honey, but without the abiding presence of God. Bad deal!

Yet Moses appeals to God once again. He can see that this is no good. Look at 33:16 - to be without God's presence is no good for themselves as a people, but it is also no good for the mission! Once again the mission purpose over-rides. The people need to go on up but they need God with them, otherwise it all makes no sense.