"We're not satisfied to just 'go through our liturgy'." (Pastor Sam)
During yesterday's pre-sermon prayer, Pastor Sam recalled the petition of Moses:
Then Moses said to God, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:15-16)
The word distinguished is one that we can reflect on today. What is it that makes a Christian stand out from the crowds of people from other faiths, or from those who claim to have no faith? It's not the engagement of the worship that sets us apart. Back in Moses's day, people who were not worshipers of the God of Israel were nonetheless quite engaged in the worship of the gods they knew. Further, it was not even the experience of the wonders that set God's people apart. In the early stages of the Egyptian plagues, there was a cadre of magicians that had no problem duplicating the signs (see Exodus 7:8-12).
The people of God, then and now, have a distinguishing mark. It is the presence of God. God Himself is found in our community. God Himself is found in us. There is the evidence of the Word: it is God in us, His goodness expressed through our lifestyle and ministry, that catches the attention of the world.
Let's take inventory today, especially those of us who "do church" as part of our life-routine. When people hear our speech, or see our works, or read what we write, what do they walk away with? Is their heart filled with the joy of the Lord? Are they inspired and moved to draw closer to God?
Lord God, give me the experience of You in a deeper way today... I want to bear a distinguishing mark that identifies me as belonging to You. Do Your work in me today, I pray, so that You will be glorified. Amen.
Showing posts with label Exodus 33. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exodus 33. Show all posts
Monday, June 9, 2014
Saturday, March 27, 2010
That's What I Want!
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. (Exodus 33:11)
Joshua had the privilege of being present to see the encounters that occurred between Moses and the LORD. Some of you might be able to speak in a similar manner: that is, maybe you have a family member or mentor whose walk with God is open to your scrutiny. Or maybe you've seen a pastor engaged in intercessory prayer.
Do you want what they have?
Do you long for it badly enough that you remain in the presence of God, even knowing that you don't currently have the sort of relationship with God that would allow you to have a "Moses"-like experience? Or are you merely a curious onlooker with no desire to encounter God for yourself?
We serve a gracious God who knows our hearts. If our delight is in Him, He will fulfill our heart's desire (see Psalm 37:4). Joshua was able to experience the transition from being a spectator to becoming a full participant in the plan of God. How about you?
Lord, please help us to want a deeper relationship with You!
Joshua had the privilege of being present to see the encounters that occurred between Moses and the LORD. Some of you might be able to speak in a similar manner: that is, maybe you have a family member or mentor whose walk with God is open to your scrutiny. Or maybe you've seen a pastor engaged in intercessory prayer.
Do you want what they have?
Do you long for it badly enough that you remain in the presence of God, even knowing that you don't currently have the sort of relationship with God that would allow you to have a "Moses"-like experience? Or are you merely a curious onlooker with no desire to encounter God for yourself?
We serve a gracious God who knows our hearts. If our delight is in Him, He will fulfill our heart's desire (see Psalm 37:4). Joshua was able to experience the transition from being a spectator to becoming a full participant in the plan of God. How about you?
Lord, please help us to want a deeper relationship with You!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tempted By An Angel.
"I will send an angel before you... but I will not go with you" (see Exodus 33:1-3)
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (see Exodus 34:15)
What an offer. God, after striking the Israelites with a plague (because of their sin), tells Moses that an angel will be sent to lead the people into the Promised Land. Moses, in turn, pleads with God to remain with His people. Moses's question is one we can contemplate today: "What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (see Exodus 34:16).
Some years ago, I heard a sermon that referenced this passage. The preacher asked a question of the congregation. It went something like this: "If you knew that you would get everything God promised you, but you wouldn't have the benefit of His Presence, would you be okay with just following an angel? Would you have to think about the offer before answering?"
There is an old hymn that says 'I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today'... Really? You want Him more than your job? More than wealth? More than health? Moses had his priorities straight: yes, the Presence of God mattered above all else.
My prayer is that when we are faced with the offer of "everything but God", we will forsake everything and cling to our Lord. May His Spirit help us to do that.
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (see Exodus 34:15)
What an offer. God, after striking the Israelites with a plague (because of their sin), tells Moses that an angel will be sent to lead the people into the Promised Land. Moses, in turn, pleads with God to remain with His people. Moses's question is one we can contemplate today: "What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (see Exodus 34:16).
Some years ago, I heard a sermon that referenced this passage. The preacher asked a question of the congregation. It went something like this: "If you knew that you would get everything God promised you, but you wouldn't have the benefit of His Presence, would you be okay with just following an angel? Would you have to think about the offer before answering?"
There is an old hymn that says 'I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today'... Really? You want Him more than your job? More than wealth? More than health? Moses had his priorities straight: yes, the Presence of God mattered above all else.
My prayer is that when we are faced with the offer of "everything but God", we will forsake everything and cling to our Lord. May His Spirit help us to do that.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tongue-Tied.
During this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Rosemarie mentioned in passing a profound truth that we don't want to lose:
We cannot do battle in prayer if we hold unconfessed sin.
In other words, we become "all talk and no action" if our hearts are still bound to people, systems, or objects that God has warned us to let go of. And this is a great danger to the effectiveness of the body of Christ.
That's it, friends. No need to elaborate on this point. If you know that you're outside of the will of God, please don't act as if you have eternity to repent. Repent today.
We cannot do battle in prayer if we hold unconfessed sin.
In other words, we become "all talk and no action" if our hearts are still bound to people, systems, or objects that God has warned us to let go of. And this is a great danger to the effectiveness of the body of Christ.
That's it, friends. No need to elaborate on this point. If you know that you're outside of the will of God, please don't act as if you have eternity to repent. Repent today.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tent- Ative.
"Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshipped, each at the entrance to his tent." (Exodus 33:10)
"Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled." (Numbers 11:10)
At the beginning of this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Rosemarie asked an important question: what is happening at the entrance to our tent?
Worship brings honor to God. Friends, what would our church look like if we each, individually, were diligent in seeking the face of God? Have we relegated the task of intercession to the "Moses and Joshua"s of the world, or would a peek into our homes and hearts reveal a longing for God's program to be accomplished in the world? What an incredible response the Israelites showed: "God is speaking to our leader: I'm going to worship the LORD while He speaks to Moses." Would you be willing to do that for Pastor Sam and our pastoral team? "Lord, I worship You and I am trusting that as I worship You, You are revealing Your word to our pastors."
Wailing brings dishonor to God. When God has given us something to sustain and nourish us (as He did in ancient Israel by feeding them with manna), it's very dangerous to complain in the face of God's gracious provision. The Numbers 11 passage closes with the death of the Israelites who despised the manna and craved other food. Why? Because they angered God with their complaining and their continued longing after Egyptian cuisine. What were they saying? "God, we'd rather have remained slaves in Egypt than to walk with You." Wow. I hope we're not doing a modern-day equivalent of that sort of grumbling.
So, are you worshipping? Or are you wailing?
"Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled." (Numbers 11:10)
At the beginning of this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Rosemarie asked an important question: what is happening at the entrance to our tent?
Worship brings honor to God. Friends, what would our church look like if we each, individually, were diligent in seeking the face of God? Have we relegated the task of intercession to the "Moses and Joshua"s of the world, or would a peek into our homes and hearts reveal a longing for God's program to be accomplished in the world? What an incredible response the Israelites showed: "God is speaking to our leader: I'm going to worship the LORD while He speaks to Moses." Would you be willing to do that for Pastor Sam and our pastoral team? "Lord, I worship You and I am trusting that as I worship You, You are revealing Your word to our pastors."
Wailing brings dishonor to God. When God has given us something to sustain and nourish us (as He did in ancient Israel by feeding them with manna), it's very dangerous to complain in the face of God's gracious provision. The Numbers 11 passage closes with the death of the Israelites who despised the manna and craved other food. Why? Because they angered God with their complaining and their continued longing after Egyptian cuisine. What were they saying? "God, we'd rather have remained slaves in Egypt than to walk with You." Wow. I hope we're not doing a modern-day equivalent of that sort of grumbling.
So, are you worshipping? Or are you wailing?