Exodus 33 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“Moses said to the L_rd, ‘Look, You have told me, “Lead this people up”, but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You said, “ I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.” Now if I have found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor on Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people.’” Exodus 33:12-13

“Mother Teresa” said, ‘You’ll never know Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have. Moses understood the importance of going with God. He had seen the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, and the judgment of Israel when they denied the L_rd. Moses wanted to know G_d’s ways, but he never could have predicted G_d’s methods of instruction…bonding His people to Himself (and each other) by means of shared adversity.

For Moses & Israel, the next several decades would be a constant stream of faith-stretching trials. Why would the L_rd choose this method of character building, as opposed to lavishing abundance & prosperity upon His children?

Perhaps, the answer is found in Moses’ discussion with G_d. Similar to their conversation at the burning bush, Moses seems to have a difficult time taking God at His Word. Even though G_d told Moses He would be with him, Moses still seeks signs.

It is said in business, “Speed of the leader, speed of the team.” That is to say, if Moses had faith problems, there was no way Israel would be ready to follow. Faith is muscle that must be exercised. It takes desire, discipline and time to grow.

A young man once came to the philosopher Socrates, searching for wisdom. Socrates was sitting beside a river, so the young man sat down beside him. ‘I want you to teach me to be wise,’ he said. Without warning, Socrates grasped the young man by the neck and thrust his head under the water. The man struggled and flailed until Socrates finally let him up. As he gasped for air Socrates said, ‘When you seek wisdom as you sought air, you’ll have it.’”

G_d gives His Word and Ruach (Spirit) to reveal His nature & ways to His children. He is gentle and kind, but wise enough to thrust us into the water, sometimes! Our life experience with His testing, filtered through His Word revealed, is what builds our faith. Ready for some faith-stretching today…?

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Thursday, April 3, 2014