Do You Know God?

“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight…”
Exodus 33:13 (ESV)

Albert Einstein developed the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics and some estimate he had an IQ of more than 170. Yet Einstein made one fatal miscalculation when he once declared: “Certainly there is a God. Any man who doesn’t believe in a cosmic force is a fool. But we could never know him.” 

In today’s passage, Moses asks to know God better, and God grants his request. In this extraordinary exchange, we see a glorious opportunity: Any person can directly connect with God, and can know God intimately. 

Throughout Exodus, Moses faces difficulty. Like all of us, he experiences ups and downs. But Moses understands one thing: Above all else, we are created to know God. 

God knows you intimately, but the question of the day is, “Do you know God?” The question is not whether you believe in God or know about Him. The question is: “Do you know God personally?” 

You can come to know someone or something in a variety of ways. You can know something through observation, and you may come to know something through education. Perhaps you read all about the history of the city of Atlanta, investigating every scenic spot – all without ever visiting. 

True knowing occurs through participation. Instead of watching from a distance, reading about God or learning from others, ask to know Him yourself. Knowing God feeds on intimate communication.  

When Moses asks God to teach him His “ways,” Moses expresses a desire to move from knowing God casually to knowing God intimately. Moses is unsatisfied simply observing God’s works or studying the things He does. Moses wants to know God’s ways, understanding who He really is. 

How well do you know God? You know God as well as you want to and you’ll never know God more than the effort you put into it. 

So spend time with God, giving Him your full attention and sharing intimate communication. Don’t settle for God’s gifts or guidance when you can experience God’s closeness and friendship.

Prayer: Father, I praise You for the glorious splendor of Your majesty. The prayer of Moses is mine today: Teach me Your ways, that I may know You. May my heart and prayers reflect a desire to move from casual relating to intimate friendship. Through Jesus I pray, amen.