Cornerstone

Deut. 34:5-12 (10)

Can you know God as Moses knew God? We read the accounts of Moses in awe. We speculate what must have taken place in his face to face encounters. We have a holy envy.

God will probably never take you for stroll up the mountain side. He will probably never set a bush on fire or part a sea for you. And yet, why can’t you have a relationship with God that is as intimate as that which Moses enjoyed? Was not Moses a common man? Was not Moses plagued with many of our faults – timidity, inferiority complex, uncertainty when making decisions, and a temper?

What made Moses special? 1) He listened when God spoke. 2) He obeyed when God commanded. 3) He chose to live for God regardless of the consequences. 4) He would not be swayed in his determination to do God’s will. 5) He was unmoveable in his confidence toward God. 6) He prayed and then believed God.

Can you be a man/woman of God like Moses? If you determine that your upmost will be given for His highest no one can stop you from developing a close relationship with God. Your name will never appear in Scripture among the greats. And yet, all that is important is that you know that Jesus is your best friend and that you are living a life that pleases Him.

Dr. Gayle Woods

2 Chronicles 7:13,14 “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then will I hear…”

Year after year, king after king, the people rebelled against God. And so again and again, God brought tragedy and famine and trouble upon the land. The prophet Elijah is on the way to King Ahab’s palace. He is going to serve God’s judgment on the king. “There will be no rain until I say so.”

God sits on his throne, fists clenched in frustration – “If only my people would turn and call upon my name, then I would not have to afflict them.”

A year later, the farmers are looking over their crops, burnt and shriveled by the merciless sun. And God is sitting on His throne in heaven biting his lower lip, a couple tears starting down His cheeks. “If only my people would come to me.”

The next year, the death toll among the elderly is steadily rising. And God is sitting upon His throne in heaven, the tears freely flowing down his cheeks, his eyes dimmed until He cannot see clearly. “If only my people.”

The third year, the young men – those in the prime of life – have the appearance of eighty year-old men. And God is sitting upon His throne in heaven, His face in His hands, sobs echoing throughout heaven.

Year after year we push ahead with our plans and wishes.

Dr. Gayle Woods