Is God's Presence Conditional or Continuous?

In this article, you will learn how Exodus 3:12 contradicts Matthew 28:20, Psalm 46:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10 and Hebrews 13:5. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible offers a rich tapestry of verses that speak to the nature of God's presence, often in seemingly contradictory ways. As we explore this, let's delve into several key passages and their implications.

In the book of Exodus, 3:12, God promises Moses divine presence specifically during his mission to liberate the Israelites from Egypt. God assures Moses that as a sign of His presence, they would worship Him on the very mountain they received this promise. This assurance, though powerful, is tied to a particular mission and timeframe.

Contrast this with verses like Matthew 28:20, where Jesus extends a broader promise, stating, "I am with you always." This shifts the focus from a mission-specific promise to an enduring companionship with believers. Similarly, Psalm 46:1 tells us of God's constant presence in trouble, suggesting broader divine support beyond single events or tasks.

Deuteronomy 31:6 echoes this broader scope, urging believers to be strong and of good courage because God will never leave nor forsake them. Here, the promise of presence isn't limited to one mission or moment but is an ongoing reassurance.

Isaiah 41:10 further emphasizes this, encouraging believers not to fear because God is always with them, contrasting the event-specific promise to Moses. Hebrews 13:5 reinforces this continuous assurance, stating that God will never leave nor forsake believers, highlighting permanency over conditional presence.

These verses paint a picture of God's presence, ranging from specific to all-encompassing. Imagine a parent promising to attend a child's recital. This specific promise reassures the child for that event. Yet, the broader promise of love and support extends beyond the recital to all of life's moments.

Which promise resonates more with us—a specific assurance for a task or an everlasting presence? The tension in these verses asks us to reflect on the nature of divine companionship in our lives.