Meditation

08/18/2022

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’” (Exodus 4:10-12 – God Takes the Initiative Through Divine Presence)

Revelation does not force human agreement and commitment. Compare Genesis 32:22-32. Moses had already questioned God as to His identity and power (3:13; 4:1). Here he excused himself as unfit for the call. God revealed Himself as patient, yet caringly angry that Moses used ever excuse not to serve. Patiently God reminded the sheepherder that the Creator has formed all human gifts and can release them for His purposes. Even more encouraging, God revealed He would continue to reveal His presence as Moses fulfilled his mission.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, You have promised to take care of us and have never failed to follow through with Your promises. You were patient with Moses and we ask that You be patient with us as well. Let our efforts honor you always, and when we fail to have the words to express to others, give us Your words to express the commitment You have made to all of us. Today we continue to pray troops serving in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, that a peaceful solution might be found and let the fighting be silenced. We also pray for those who are suffering in body, mind, and/or spirit, with friends, family, and for those we don’t know. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Anything that is impossible with mankind, is possible with God.”

KNOWING GOD:

“Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.” (1^st Samuel 18:12-14 – God Takes the Initiative Through Divine Presence)

The appearance and success of David were in direct proportion to his obedience to God’s intentions. God’s presence provided success. As Saul continue to move away from God’s direction, he sensed God’s absence. We know God’s presence as we obey Him.

I AM:

“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; should aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart. O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the Kin of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hand limp. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.’” (Zephaniah 3:14-17 – God Takes the Initiative Through Divine Presence)

God promised to redeem His faithful remnant and invited them to celebrate. God thus revealed two crucial aspects of His nature. He is a joyful and a saving God. We can count on Him to be with His faithful people.

2ND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” (2^nd Timothy 4:17 – God Takes the Initiative Through Divine Presence)

Verse 3 reveals Paul was burdened for the conversion of the Jewish people that he was willing to be separated from Christ if that would in some way effect their salvation. That is true love my friends, for it is a love so deep it brings sorrow and anguish, that Paul would separate himself from Christ, if it was necessary for their conversions.

God’s choice of Israel, His revelation in personal manifestation (glory), giving of laws, covenants, promises, and the Temple worship set Israel apart as recipients of God’s revelation. Jesus Christ is God’s greatest and most significant revelation. He also was designed to communicate the truth to Israel. Noe of God’s attempts to reveal Himself failed. They will be used in history not only for the Jew, but also the the Gentiles.