The Lord commanded Moses to leave Sinai for a land of milk and honey. Moses was understandably concerned though, because the Lord also said that "But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." Moses was, of course, confused. In Exodus 33:12-13, Moses seeks a little clarification: "See, you say to me, 'Bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." I can just picture Moses, standing somewhat dumbfounded. Didn't you tell me to take this journey? Didn't you say that I had found favor in your sight? What do you mean no one is coming with us, and what's all this talk about destroying us on our way?

The reassurance of the Lord to Moses that His presence would go with him and that he would give him rest is a promise that we can take with us as we enter the summer months. The Lord will be with us - during our planning, during our hiring, during convention, during the National Youth Gathering, during whatever travels we might have planned. The Lord also reassures Moses, as He reassures us, that He will give us rest. Yes, certainly he will give us time to rest this summer. But he will also give us eternal rest with Him, in His presence. May God grant you rejuvenation and rest this summer!