Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Continuing the same ear-jacking of Moses’ conversation with the LORD, let’s see what else we can glean.

Today’s scripture, Exodus 33:10-14 (NLT) shares…
[10] When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. [11] Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Lord [12] One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ [13] If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” [14] The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Consider…
There are times when we’re given instructions that we may need more details in order to fulfill them. For example if someone just asked us to go to the store for them, we might ask…

• Which store?
• To get what?
• How soon do you want me to go?
• With whose money?

When I read verses 12 and 13 from today’s scripture, I read Moses asking God clarifying questions. The verses say…
[12] One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ [13] If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”

The Holy Spirit used these verses to teach us there’s a difference between questioning God and asking Him for clarification.

I was given two contrasting scriptures that highlight the difference questioning versus clarifying.

The first scripture pertains to the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:18-20 (NLT) says…
[18] Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” [19] Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! [20] But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Notice Gabriel said, “since you didn’t believe”, before shutting Zechariah up for the entirety of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

In contrast, let’s look at Mary’s response to the foretelling of Jesus’ birth. Luke 1:34-38 (NLT) shares…
[34] Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” [35] The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. [36] What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. [37] For the word of God will never fail.” [38] Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Reading both Zechariah’s and Mary’s responses to the miraculous births more closely I notice, Zechariah ‘said’ versus Mary ‘asked’.

The Holy Spirit is telling me that we should never tell God what’s impossible, but we can ask Him for clarification of how it can be possible.

This clarification makes me think back on testimonies from people who say “I told the Lord” versus “I asked the Lord”. Whenever we engage God for anything, we must approach Him with reverent humility.

The other stark difference between Zechariah and Mary is their faith. Recall, Zechariah was silenced because he “didn’t believe”, but verse 38 of the passage reveals Mary’s faith. Reminder, it says…
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Let’s look closer at their questions?

Zechariah said…
How can I be sure this will happen?

Mary said…
How can this happen?

The subtle difference here, is Zechariah questioned God’s faithfulness to do what said, but Mary asked for clarification of how the LORD would fulfill His promise.

When we ask God questions, we must be careful to never question His faithfulness, while seeking clarification of His methods of fulfillment.

As I examined these contrasting inquiries of God, I was reminded of Jesus’ exchange with Thomas in John 20:24-28 (NLT)…
[24] One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. [25] They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” [26] Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” [28] “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

How many of us are like Thomas, and Zechariah, in that we need to see in order to believe? By the way, this way of thinking doesn’t please God. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) explains…
[6] And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Questioning God demonstrates a lack of faith, whereas asking clarifying questions of God say we know that He will do it, we just wonder how.

I also know that faith is vital to interactions with God, because Jesus followed up His exchange with Thomas in John 20:29 (NLT), which says…
[29] Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

In today’s scripture, Moses never doubted God would do what He said, He just wanted clarification of how He was going to do it, so that he could align himself with God’s plan.

The secret to clarifying questions is they seek to align us with the plan.

So the next time God gives you a promise or instructions, don’t ask Him if the impossible can happen, ask Him for clarification of how you can get into alignment with His plan.

Today’s song is…
I Wanna Know Your Ways

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)