Show me your ways… (Exodus 33:13)
This Scripture is a section of prayer offered by Moses during a time of worship and personal reflection. And, in Scriptural context it is revealed that Moses had a great relationship with God! It seems the relationship was so intimate that he could ask God for almost anything. Understanding this setting makes it even more intriguing that Moses -- with a full menu of options -- would then choose to simply ask God, “Show me your ways.” It turned out to be a phenomenal decision, because in the New Testament, we see the exact opposite of Moses’ approach taking place as God expresses frustration with an entire generation. He points out that -- unlike Moses -- these people did not know Him or His ways and it cost them dearly.
...They have not known my ways so I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ (Hebrews 3:10-11 NKJV)
These two passages of Scripture clearly reveal God has ways.
Throughout the Bible, we learn that God reveals Himself as Heavenly Father so that He may show us that His ways are for us. He then reveals Himself as The Son, showing us that His ways are to be with us. And, then in a climactic moment, recorded in Acts 2, God shows us through the outpouring and infilling of The Holy Spirit that His ways are to be in us. Realize, God doesn't just want to be for us or near us; He wants to be in us. Because of this staggering reality, there are specific ways God wants to move in our lives so that His ways can be revealed through us to others!
We must know God’s ways! Like Moses, we should be continually asking God to show us His ways. I believe Moses’ example in prayers reveals that he considered knowing the ways of God to be the most crucial thing you could learn. Paul would also agree!
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. (Galatians 5:22-23 MSG)
And, we can stand in agreement with both Moses and Paul. I am fascinated with this subject and the opportunity for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. I would be greatly honored to have a bit more of your time to share how we can learn more about God’s ways so that we calibrate our lives correctly and experience God to the fullest. We will even discuss how to meet with God!
Watch this message, Pigeon Religion, and you will also learn two principles that I believe will help you understand more about coming into alignment with God’s ways. Doing so may be the difference between seeing Ephesians 3:20 fulfilled or not fulfilled, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
Don’t end up like the lost and displeasing generation of Israelites recorded in the book of Hebrews -- not knowing God or His ways. Be like Moses, and you can live a life of significance and success as you sync up with God’s ways! It’s an important choice. Choose wisely.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV)