FAVOR IN HIS SIGHT
RICHARD HARRIS
Today’s Scripture: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:17-18, ESV
Theme: Don’t be afraid to seek God and experience His power and majesty. That will only increase your fear of Him and the fear of Him is the beginning of knowledge!
A HEALTHY FEAR
Was it healthy that Moses feared God?
In Exodus 20:20 (NIV), “Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’” This verse shows the contrast of being afraid and properly fearing God.
Should we also fear Him?
Psalm 111:10 (NIV) tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
God is our Heavenly Father, and our desire should be to please Him through living in faith. Is not our obedience to God an outward sign of our true fear of Him? Through that understanding of His power, do we not obey Him? He is our Heavenly Father, and we are here to please Him. I don’t mean that devil-driven fear, that grows through anxiety. The devil himself is fearful of our Lord God and our deep love of Him. I am speaking of love that is driven by a faith-based fear; respectful, good, and healthy.
Isn’t the entire theme of Exodus redemption? The Israelites went from oppressed slaves to redeemed servants of the Lord. God provided the Law to His rescued people. They did not, initially, follow that Law. They disobeyed God’s Commandments, which separated them from Him, and became captive, this time to sin. Their disobedience led ultimately to them being barred from entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:35)
Moses prayed to God, asking that He turn from His divine anger and help His people. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name’” (Exodus 33:17, NIV). God was drawn to Moses’ passion. Moses knew that Israel’s only hope lay deep within God’s mercy. The Lord relented. Fear of the Lord’s wrath, because of falling short of God’s Glory, brings us to the truth of our failure. That failure can lead to ultimate and passionate salvation. Redemption in the New Covenant comes through our discovery of Jesus’ sacrificial passion and our acceptance that His sacrifice is enough to rescue us.
Moses’s fear of God gave him the courage to face what he feared; the Egyptians, the desert hardships, the Canaanites, and his own people. Fear can drive faith. Was not baby Moses himself saved from the obedience of the God-fearing Israelite midwives who spared the baby boys despite Pharoah’s laws (Exodus 1:17, 21)?
PRAYER OVER DOUBT
Some of Moses’ initial fears were centered around his self-doubt; “I’m not good enough.” “I don’t have all the answers.” “People won’t believe me.” “I’m a terrible public speaker.” “I’m not qualified.” God helped him overcome those obstacles. Take all your own fears (disguised as doubts) and live for the Glory of God.
With God’s help, Moses overcame his doubts. His personal encounter with God provided him with a healthy reverence and fear of God. Moses gained confidence through his personal relationship with God. He met his God on Holy Ground, where he took off his sandals (Exodus 3:5). Moses hid his face, because he was fearful of looking at God.
Make it Personal: What are your doubts? We all carry a certain degree of them; living inside our thoughts, dreams, goals and daily decisions. You can let doubt, fear and worry overtake you, or you can call upon the Lord. God has promised that if you call upon Him, He will deliver you (Psalm 50:15). Where have you met God?
We know that reading our Holy Bible is a good start ... reading the sacred words of God’s text. This is very commendable, but there are also other ways to enhance the experience. What other ways can we seek a greater knowledge of God, His majesty, and His will?
Find a quiet place. Turn off the distractions. Rest in His presence. Pray.
Go for a nice walk and share your heart with Him as you admire His creations. He will be there walking with you.
Help others, as Jesus did. Be there for them. He will be there as well.
Use your gifts. We all have unique gifts that we can give others.
Live one day at a time and be grateful for each one.
Keep a journal of your daily conversations with the Lord. You will be amazed.
Pray: Lord: Teach us Your holy way, that we may walk in Your truth. Guide our hearts, fears, and love towards that favor we seek in Your sight. May we see Your glory, as Moses understood in all his travels with You. As we walk through this desert of sinful times, may our actions and words (Your Words, Lord) take us to the Promised Land of Your Son’s righteousness. Amen.
Read: Psalm 86:11; Jeremiah 32:39; 2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-15
Weekly Memory Verse: “Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’” Exodus 20:20, NIV