Three Requests

Exodus 32:1-33:23

This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture.  I have returned to it often.  It is a very dramatic and pivotal moment in the history of Israel and of the man Moses.  Here's the setting:

God has informed Moses that He will no longer travel with the children of Israel because of their rebellion and idolatry (the golden calf).  Moses is in a very tight spot.  He makes three requests of God.

1.  Show me your way (33:13).

2.  Go with me (33:15)

3.  Show me your glory (33:18)

These are life lessons for us.  When we ask God to show us His way, we are not just asking for the path ahead.  We are asking for His WAYS.  "Show me your way" means that we want to find the way God wants us to handle the current situation.  We are often prone to be REACTIVE rather than PROACTIVE.  We should not demand our way, but ask for His way.

Moses then tells God, "if You don't go with us, don't lead us up from here."  His PRESENCE must guide us, not just some guide book.  We should not do as the children of Israel did.  In their impatience, they produced their own plan and direction.  This brought the judgment of God.  Instead, we will wait upon the Lord.

When we ask to see the glory of God, we are on the highest ground.  The chief end of man is to enjoy His glory forever.  This is more than service, it is relationship.  There is an unfolding story throughout the Bible and it is the revealing of the glory of God.  Our best and highest moments are when we stand before His glory.  That is when we are most alive and most fulfilled.  We need the glory of God.

These three requests can be the "North Star" of our lives.  I pray that today all three will be a reality in my life and yours.