Monday 5th August 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- Exodus 33:12-33
Topic:- God Manifesting Himself To Moses [1]
Text:- Exodus 33:18
There are many passages of Bible history which are richly edifying, and which it is important for us to read often and ponder deeply. The passage now before us I have read often, and several times have preached upon it. Every successive reading suggests new thoughts and develops new beauties; like a deep, rich mine of gold, the more it is wrought, the richer the ore it brings up. See Exodus 33:12-23.
God had called Moses to be a leader and instructor of his people in a great and mighty movement. Moses was to superintend and guide them from Egypt to Canaan. In the first verse of our passage Moses distinctly recognizes the fact that God had designated himself for this great work.
But Moses very well understood that God had not called him to perform this work in his own strength, but designed to give him aid. It seems probable that Moses had often thought particularly of this point of having a helper, had often prayed over it and asked God whom he should have to help him in this great enterprise. He saw that the work before him was great, he had been in that vast, howling, desolate wilderness before, and he could appreciate somewhat before hand the labor and responsibility of leading through it a host of three millions of dependent men, women and children. Such a work he well knew surpassed all human power, and he therefore rejoiced to know that God would send him a helper.
Observe here that this was after Moses had met with God several times. He had already received the law on Mt. Sinai from Jehovah’s own hand, and had seen the great “I am” in the burning bush. Yet though he had known so much of God, he still felt that he needed to know very much more. He knew far too little of God to be fit for this great work of guiding his people through that trackless desert. Now therefore, he makes his call to this work and God’s acceptance of him in this capacity an argument with God for revealing himself yet more fully.
You cannot but be struck with the simple-heartedness of Moses in this conversation with God. He unbosoms his whole soul as a man would with his friend. He is deeply impressed with the importance of knowing more of God, and feels most deeply that without this knowledge he cannot persuade the people to encounter the perils of that great and fearful desert. He felt the pressure of his own responsibilities and turned confidingly to God. Hence his simple-hearted state of mind.
Opening his heart thus before the Lord, he reminds him that although he had called him, yet he had not told him who should go with him. The Lord seems to admit the full force of this appeal. How wonderful! Here is the great Jehovah, condescending to talk with a mere mortal man like one of us. He speaks; then he listens to the reply. He hears the appeal and feels the full force of the considerations it presents. See Exodus 34:1-8.
Prayer Point:- Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Happy 2019 T.A.C.N. LAWNA International Monday Convention! www.timogundelejesu.com
