The Object of Our Praying and Fasting - Part 2

“The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD.”
(Exodus 34:5-8)
Prepared by Patrick J. Griffiths

Moses finds himself leading upwards of 3 million people out of Egypt’s bondage. He has gone to the Mountain and received the Laws from God for the nation. Those who follow are a mixed bag spiritually. They have defaulted to their idolatrous ways. Significant frustration exists and conflict prevails. Exodus 33 is one of those gem chapters within Holy write. God condescends and dialogues with Moses. Moses asks God to “show him His glory” (Exod. 33:18). God grants his desire and allows His goodness to pass before him and proclaims to him His name (Exod. 33:19).

Listen carefully to the names of God and how they capture His goodness.

The LORD
The LORD God
Merciful
Gracious
Longsuffering
Abundant in goodness and truth
Keeping mercy
Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin
Visiting the iniquity

God is personal and personable. He is God the Creator over that which He creates. He is not despotic or cruel. He is patient and not short tempered. He stoops and is lavish in the dispensing of His goodness and truth. He persistently withholds judgment from those who justly deserve it, longing to forgive their sins. Yet He is a just God and will bring about justice where right is irrevocable and wrong is properly handled.

This is the God to whom we pray and for whom we fast. He is worthy of our energy and affection. O may the Holy Spirit enlarge our desires for Him. May our eyes be opened so that we are enabled to wallow in the abundance of His person and work. Amen.