Member
December 23, 2005
Knowing God Personally
Read:
Exodus 33:7-17
He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. —Psalm 103:7
Bible In One Year: 1 John 3-5
Most Christians would prefer to see God perform mighty miracles rather than to have fellowship with Him and learn His ways.
Today's text says that God made known His mighty acts to the people of Israel, but to Moses He "made known His ways." Exodus 33 records a great crisis in which Moses humbly prayed, "If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way" (v.13). He wanted to know God and His plans for His people more than to see another mighty miracle. No wonder the Lord conversed with him "as a man speaks to his friend" (v.11).
Commenting on the difference between ways and acts, F. B. Meyer wrote, "Ways, or plans, are only made known to the inner circle of the saints; the ordinary congregation learns only His acts."
A talented friend of mine, Jennifer, learned this difference after spending several years in a wheelchair. One day she tearfully prayed, "Lord, I could have done so much for You, if only I could have been healthy." God's response was inaudible but clear: "Many people work for Me, but very few are willing to be My friend."
If you desire to know God personally more than you long to see His mighty miracles, you'll be satisfied. —Joanie Yoder
Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone. —Simpson
Knowing God is not only seeing His works but also learning His ways.
Knowing God Personally
Read:
Exodus 33:7-17
He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. —Psalm 103:7
Bible In One Year: 1 John 3-5
Most Christians would prefer to see God perform mighty miracles rather than to have fellowship with Him and learn His ways.
Today's text says that God made known His mighty acts to the people of Israel, but to Moses He "made known His ways." Exodus 33 records a great crisis in which Moses humbly prayed, "If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way" (v.13). He wanted to know God and His plans for His people more than to see another mighty miracle. No wonder the Lord conversed with him "as a man speaks to his friend" (v.11).
Commenting on the difference between ways and acts, F. B. Meyer wrote, "Ways, or plans, are only made known to the inner circle of the saints; the ordinary congregation learns only His acts."
A talented friend of mine, Jennifer, learned this difference after spending several years in a wheelchair. One day she tearfully prayed, "Lord, I could have done so much for You, if only I could have been healthy." God's response was inaudible but clear: "Many people work for Me, but very few are willing to be My friend."
If you desire to know God personally more than you long to see His mighty miracles, you'll be satisfied. —Joanie Yoder
Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone. —Simpson
Knowing God is not only seeing His works but also learning His ways.