The Backdrop
When you think about it, God has a lot of fun things He could be doing: hopping galaxies, pulling off miracles, etc.; but the thing He most wants to do is be in touch with you.
Whether it’s distractions from a busy life routine, disappointment about difficult circumstances or spiritual dryness from the same ol’ same ol’ religious routine, it’s easy to go a long time without meaningful contact with God. Maybe we sometimes think the more contact we have with God the more likely He’ll ask us to do something we don’t want to do. So we avoid Him.
Fortunately, that’s not the way it is — not by a long shot. Plus, you wouldn’t be the first person to fear being asked to do something you don’t want to do.
The What
Do This: There was a time when experiences with God were pretty scarce. The passage below records a big experience that man had with God early in the story of us at a time when God-sightings didn’t happen too often.
Do more than simply read this passage; truly experience it. Consider printing out this devotional (or at least the Scripture passage) and mark things the things you’re asked to find. This will help you notice more detail and give you a greater opportunity to hear what God is saying. As you read, look for the following:
1. Underline anything that describes the condition of humanity.
2. Draw a cloud around anything God says about Himself (i.e., who He is, what He plans to do, etc.).
3. Draw a forward arrow over anything He tells a person to do.
Now This:
What was the condition of the people that actually caused God to make contact in this instance?
Roll this situation around in your mind for a minute. What conclusions about God and humanity could you draw from this scene? What broad principles can you draw from this experience to describe what happens when God makes contact with His people? Write down two or three observations.
Going Inward
One of the most assuring things God said to Moses when He made contact in this passage: “I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt.” God sees. He’s aware of our stuff. He assures us of this when we’re in touch with Him, which is a good reason to stay in touch with Him!
Have you ever had an experience with God in which you were absolutely sure you felt His nearness or were assured of His presence?
IF YES:
Take a minute to journal some specifics about that experience: When did it occur? How did it come about? How was your experience similar to Moses’ experience?
IF NO:
Would you like to? Would you like to commit to seeking out a God experience this week? Circle one: YES NO
The So What
Contact with God follows the pattern similar to what you saw with Moses. Listed below are three broad principles that describe what happens when God makes contact with us. You can count on at least one of these things happening:
1. God Sees: He sees your predicament, your despair, your need.
2. God Gives: He gives you what you need — grace, gifts, forgiveness.
3. God Calls: He calls you to join Him in His mission.
This devotional, “God Contact: He Sees,” has focused on Thing 1: God Sees (look for Thing 2 and Thing 3 in the next two devotionals). God is moved by our predicaments: our despair, fears and mostly our separation from Him. He sees us. Because He has everything we need and desperately wants to give it to us freely, He is relentless in pursuing us.
Here’s one of many cool things about God: It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you had good contact with Him. He still wants to be in touch with you. So drop the guilt and embarrassment, and let yourself enter a full-contact experience with God. To get you started, below are a couple verses about what to expect when we’ve not been in touch for awhile. Find a quiet place to read these verses, then let God see your circumstances. Let Him find you.
The Word
“When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, ‘I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.’ And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.'”
“So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.”
