August 12: Hunger To Know God In his hunger to know God, Moses made three requests of the Holy One:[ Exodus 33:13, 15 (paraphased), 18] "Teach me Your ways." Unlike Moses, who longed to comprehend the ways of God, our focus is often centered on self-promotion, self-pity, and self-preservation. God reminds us of the gap between His magnificent attributes and our limited understanding: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8a, 9) So if we are to know God and His ways, we must first begin to grasp the bankruptcy and futility of our practices. It is only then that we are positioned spiritually, like Moses, to cry out to learn the ways of God. "Grant me Your Presence." During the desert journey, Moses realized that to continue he must experience the accompanying Presence of God. In response to his intense request God reassured him, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14) So today, if you are lacking an inner sense of rest, perhaps you need to entreat His Presence to lead you through your endeavors. "Show me Your glory." Paul, who understood his own inclination toward self-glorification, wrote: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14 – KJV) QUESTION: In exactly what are you glorying? In the cross of Christ, or in your bank account? In the cross of Christ, or in the power you wield over others? In the cross of Christ, or in the recognition you receive from your colleagues? It is only when we transfer our focus from self-glorification to a passion for His glory that we can begin to experience and comprehend intimacy with Him. Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:44:25 +0000
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