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October 13, 2026

Where Is God?

Lyndsey Medford   |   Read Exodus 33:12-18

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Lectionary Week
October 12–18, 2026
Scripture Overview

As Christians, we know we believe in Immanuel—God with us. We cling to this idea in theory, but in the everyday messiness of life, we sometimes still wonder where God actually is. This week’s readings offer various perspectives on God’s presence. In Exodus, Moses feels insecure about the calling on his life and asks to see God. The psalmist remembers the story of God’s presence with the Israelites in the wilderness. The Gospel reminds us that even when we ponder momentous decisions about weighty topics, our ultimate security is in our belonging to God. And Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians gives us an example of experiencing God’s love in everyday friendship.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 33:12-23. When have you struggled to believe that God is with you? How did you find a sign of God’s presence?
Read Psalm 99. How has God heard your cry? How can you listen with God for the cries of others?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. When does your faith call you to live in a counter-cultural way? How do you show the world how to live?
Read Matthew 22:15-22. You belong to God. How do you experience God’s call on your life?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Exodus 33:12-18

12 Moses said to the LORD, “Look, you’ve been telling me, ‘Lead these people forward.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. Yet you’ve assured me, ‘I know you by name and think highly of you.’ 13 Now if you do think highly of me, show me your ways so that I may know you and so that you may really approve of me. Remember too that this nation is your people.” 14 The LORD replied, “I’ll go myself, and I’ll help you.” 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.”

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Moses already knows that God has called him to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but he wants the details. In the previous verses, God has said it’s time to go, but clearly says that God will not be going with the people (see Exod. 33:3). Whoa, Moses and...

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God of patience, please direct my attention to places of your presence today. Teach me how to rest there. Amen.


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