This year’s theme is, Loving: Up, In and Out!

In 2018, we are especially emphasizing the pursuit of God AND reaching out to our neighbour. As we engage in the pursuit of loving God we do this on the premise that there is more of God to be experienced. In a similar way to how I know Elsie in more profound ways today than when we first got married, God is offering us unfolding knowledge of himself. And his requirement is that we seek him with diligence. In fact, we are told that, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb 11:6). 
As I shared this past Sunday, Moses is a great example of someone who, out of desperation, earnestly sought God. The Scriptures tell us that Moses, in that tent of meeting, spoke with God face to face as one speaks to a friend. But Moses didn’t start off there. When Yahweh first appeared to him in the burning bush and spoke to Moses, he actually hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

 

He then goes on this journey with God, leading the people out of abject bondage towards the promised land. In that process he gets to see the incredible, supernatural works of God. He sees the power of God displayed as the power of the enemy is systematically defeated; he sees the supernatural care of God for his people through the wilderness; he even sees the supernatural judgement of God against his rebellious people.

 

And yet, Moses knew that there was more of Yahweh to be had; more of him to experience. So, in this amazing discourse captured in Exodus 33, we read, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you.” Moses was hungry not just to know Yahweh through his works, he wanted to understand his heart; what pleases him, what touches him; his ways.

 

When God agrees to do as Moses asks, he presses the point and asks God to, “Now show me your glory.” We then read of this incredible self-revelation that Yahweh gives to Moses of his goodness in the proclamation of his name, his nature …

 

This is an example for us, friends!  Father is inviting us to pursue him with diligence because he wants to reveal so much more of himself to us at a heart level.  Our proper response is to seek his face, so that we have radical encounters with him, in order that we are transformed more and more into his image!  Jesus told us that we are his friends, let’s act like we know it!

 

Holy Spirit, we are convinced that it takes God to love God, so please create hunger in our hearts for God!