“That you may know that I am the LORD.”
This year, the guys in my LifeGroup at Spanish River Church decided to journey together through the Scriptures. We pace each other, texting most days and meeting weekly to share what the Lord is teaching us along the way.
I am loving it. These days we are hanging out with Moses and the people of Israel as we make our way through Exodus.
Part of the beauty of a steadily reading through God’s Word is seeing recurring themes, like this one:
“That you may know that I am the LORD.”
Here are some of the variations of God’s declaration:
The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD. Exodus 7:5
So that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. Exodus 8:10
That you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. Exodus 8:22
So that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. Exodus 9:14
But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16
So that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. Exodus 9:29
That you may know that I am the LORD. Exodus 10:2
That you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. Exodus 11:7
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD. Exodus 14:4
Interestingly, all of these proclamations and demonstrations of God’s power arose out of Israel’s frustrations of learning what it means to walk with God through their hardships.
I don’t know about you, but I want the demonstrations apart from the frustrations. I want to see God work, but I’d rather not have to endure the hardships, deprivations, personal disappointments, and setbacks that often precede them.
It generally doesn’t work that way!
It was in Sarah’s barrenness that she learned, “I am the LORD.”
It was in Abraham’s perplexity that he learned, “I am the LORD.”
It was in Joseph’s distress and disappointment that he learned, “I am the LORD.”
It was in Moses’s inadequacy that he learned, “I am the LORD.”
It was in Israel’s helplessness that they learned, “I am the LORD.”
It was in Gideon’s weakness that he learned, “I am the LORD.”
I have many theological textbooks lining my shelves. They teach me this truth, but God seems to deliver it best in the classroom of personal experience.
Have you been to God’s classroom? Maybe you are in it!
Looking back over the pages we have read . . . looking back over the pages of my life . . . it is usually through the hard times — not the easy ones — that I see God come through.
I don’t always like God’s classroom, but I know why I am there.
“That you may know that I am the LORD.”
The Plimsoll Line — A new Men’s Group at SRC for the month of February: How does a leader stay afloat and on course in the high seas of a busy life? The answer is in the Plimsoll Line. Guys, let’s wrestle with the essential issue of capacity. No leader can do it all. That’s why every leader must be able to understand, evaluate and leverage his or her unique capacities. The Plimsoll Line will help you “draw the line” that leads to personal and organizational vitality. Join us Wednesday mornings or Thursday evenings. There is a $10 materials cost.