“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
Dear Ones:
When Gideon was called of God to go forth and fight against the Amalekites, he was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, and his very meager resources. There is no doubt that he was greatly impressed by the “angel of the Lord,” who visited him and certainly spoke with power and authority. But there was in his heart a need to be sure of the validity of this messenger of God, and also, that God was the author and provider for such an undertaking. Therefore, Gideon prayed to God: “If now I have found grace in Thy sight, then shew me a sign that Thou talkest with me.” (Judges 6:17) You will remember in the New Testament where the Lord Jesus said, “This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.” (Luke 11:30) What is the difference between Gideon seeking a sign, and the “evil generation” of which Christ spoke? The answer is found in Jesus’ words: “…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Lk. 11:28) God knew the heart of Gideon, who was sincerely seeking to confirm, or to prove, the identity of the angel of the Lord, and God’s calling. It was not a question of a heart of unbelief, a rebellious heart, regardless of the revelation. Gideon’s heart was prepared, and ready, to do the will of God. He wanted only to prove that God was the Author of the endeavor, and that He would meet, bless, and keep His servant. How then do we “prove,” God, and see His hand in our lives, as well as in the lives for those for whom we pray?
If ever there was a knowledgeable, and wise man, who walked with God, it was Moses. As far as we can discern, His writings came about after he had reached the age of eighty years old. It seems that, from the day he was called of God out of the burning bush in the wilderness, the wheels of time and purpose, which had almost come to a standstill, began to move again. Moses was stirred to seek God in a new, expanded way, a way in which He would come to prove God again and again, as he fulfilled his mission. What is it that we see in Moses that helps us to “prove” God, not from an unbelieving heart, but with a heart that desires to be clear, and fully assured? The key to Moses’ experience of God was twofold: First, God intervened in His time, revealing to the receptive heart of Moses, the will of God. Secondly, it was Moses’ use of prayer, as an act and attitude of faith, whereby he would receive from God all that was necessary for the accomplishment of his mission.
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses. In it, he begins by giving us a vision, a true perception of God, one that focused on the eternity of God, and God’s desire and will that believing man should KNOW what it means to dwell in Him. Moses deals with the vast wisdom and power of God, His everlasting unchangeableness, always working, and responding to the heart’s cry of those who seek Him. Moses then comes to specific prayer, the first request being: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (v.12) Here is a man who believes that God will grant wisdom, satisfying the soul with His great mercy, making glad the heart. He goes on to ask God to reveal His work, the knowledge of His will to the believing heart. This is coupled with the request for God’s glory to be revealed, and seen, by the children of His servants. The call for the Lord’s beauty “…to be upon us,” is very valid, along with the establishment of God’s works through the believer.
Dear Father, Give us to prove what Moses discovered. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad