I’ve been making the most of the holidays by watching the latest season of hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy. In one episode, a patient died on the operating table because the Attending didn’t wait for the Surgeon to arrive. The subordinate believed that because they’d previously watched the master do the surgery they could do it without the presence of the Surgeon.

Moses knew all too well the importance of only moving when the Master was present: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15 NIV) He was aware that despite being God’s appointed leader of the Israelites, success would only be found with the Lord’s guidance and, more importantly, His presence.

Just as an Attending is an apprentice to a Surgeon, so too are we apprentices to the ultimate Master, Jesus. And Jesus tells us that we will do greater things than He has done, not because we have read about all He has done, or not even because we have witnessed Him at work personally, but because He has sent One who will help us and be with us forever, One who “lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17b) When we believe in Jesus, we receive His very presence to be with us eternally.

Heading into a New Year and it’s very easy to begin making plans and New Year’s resolutions. It’s easy to start determining a long list of what we will do, who we will be, where we will go, how we will change. But as I’ve reflected on a season of things being stripped back, it’s made me more determined than ever to be like Moses as I head into the New Year and to declare: “Lord, if your presence does not go with me, do not send me on from here…” 

Jesus, thank You for sending us an advocate to help us. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence. May we be so sensitive to Your leading that we move in step with You every day. That in and through our lives the Father might be seen and glorified. Reveal Yourself to us in our planning, our decision making and in our moving. Let us go only with You. Amen.