¹⁵ Moses replied, “If you won’t go yourself, don’t make us leave here. ¹⁶ Because how will anyone know that we have your special approval, both I and your people, unless you go with us? Only that distinguishes us, me and your people, from every other people on the earth.”

¹⁷ The Lord said to Moses, “I’ll do exactly what you’ve asked because you have my special approval, and I know you by name.”

¹⁸ Moses said, “Please show me your glorious presence.” (Ex. 33:15-18, CEB)

A.W. Tozer:

Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted.  (The Pursuit of God)

Something needs to cry out in us that Jesus is worth pursuing! There is a thirst that needs to rise up in us. Moses had that thirst. He was not going to move in any direction until God promised his presence. He then boldly moves into another level of seeking. He blurts out, “Show me your glory!”

This isn’t about “earning” anything. It is about desire. Moses desired. God didn’t berate him and say, “Hey! You have enough already!”

God showed Moses all he could. Moses asked.

God waits to be wanted.