Knowing God

July 6, 2006

By Greg Ebie

Has God ever spoken to you? I remember a time in college when God clearly spoke to me through the words, “In His time.” I wept as I realized that God had assured me that He would faithfully direct my footsteps. Time and again I have gone back to those words finding comfort in times of trouble and direction when the way seemed unclear.

Moses asked to see God in all of His glory. God responded saying that He would declare His name in Moses’ presence. (See Exodus 33:18,19.) God did what He promised.

“God passed in front of him and called out, ‘God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient — so much love, so deeply true — loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin.’ ” (Exodus 34:6,7, The Message)

God revealed himself to Moses; I’m glad Moses passed on to us what God said. In these verses God explained the meaning of His Name. In explaining His Name, God showed us His character and nature. Notice what we learn about who God is.

God is mercy and grace; God forgives and meets us at our point of need.

God is endlessly patient; God won’t give up on us or lose His temper.

God is love. While we throw the word love around, God shows himself to be love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:5-8.)

God is so deeply true; He will not change or become something He is not.

God is loyal in love to a thousand generations; that’s faithfulness that won’t ever end!

God forgives iniquity, rebellion and sin. The Lord does not want to destroy us; He wants to restore us and make us new.

God doesn’t ignore sin; God is just and will judge the guilty.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.