Teach Me Lord

Teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favour with you.
Exodus 33:13, NIV

Moses was probably the greatest leader of all time. His task was impossible - leading a nation of people who were unwilling to follow him and preferred to go back to Egypt. After the devastating incident of the golden calf, Moses was told to lead the people on another stage of their journey, with the promise that an angel would go ahead of them.
This wasn't the full assurance Moses asked for. He wanted the presence of the Lord Himself - the friend he had learned to converse with and depend upon (Exodus 33:12-15). The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). Moses reminded God of what He had previously said to him, ‘I know you by name and you have found favour with me.' Each one of us is intimately known by God. Our names are written on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16) and He cares deeply for us, longing for an ever deepening relationship with us.

Moses had an impossible task ahead, one which could never be accomplished without the known presence of God. His next prayer came from a longing heart, ‘Teach me Your ways, so I may know You and continue to find favour with You. If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here.'

The Hebrew word for ‘know' is ‘yada' - which means ‘to know intimately'. Moses realised that he couldn't grow in intimacy with God unless he knew God's ways. But for Moses to journey in the ways of God was to journey with the presence of God. To journey without knowing the presence of God wasn't an option for him.

God's ways are always in keeping with His character. The God who revealed Himself to Moses, and showed him His ways, is the same today. He still reveals Himself, He still speaks, but as with His ancient people, He demands obedience to His words and His ways.

The Bible tells us about God's ways. They are ways of wisdom which are higher than ours. They are perfect, holy, just, loving and right. The way ahead for us may not be easy. We may have to take an unknown path, but we can be assured of God's presence on our journey and we needn't be afraid.