June 25, 2024
Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.
Daniel 11:32
Let us continue our exploration of moving into a relational place with God. There is a fundamental difference between knowing God transactionally as against knowing Him relationally. A transactional relationship with God is akin to a business exchange: we come to Him primarily when we need something. On the other hand, A relational knowledge of God is about developing a deep, intimate connection with Him, where the primary goal is to know Him more, rather than merely seeking His hand for provision.
Daniel 11:32 says, "The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits." Strength and the ability to do great exploits come from a deep knowledge of God. Many Christians desire strength and power even without first investing in a relational knowledge of God.
There is a fundamental difference between knowing God transactionally, as against knowing Him relationally.
We are reminded in the Bible clearly that knowing God is the foundation for true strength. As seen in the verse above, the promise of carrying out great exploits is directly linked to our knowledge of God. When we invest time and effort into knowing Him—through prayer, studying His Word, worship, and obedience to His will —He equips us with the strength and courage to undertake significant tasks for His kingdom.
Our exploits are not born out of our abilities but out of the empowerment that comes from a close relationship with God.
Psalm 103:7 tells us, " He made known his ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel." Moses knew God's ways, not just His acts. While the Israelites were content with witnessing God's acts and miracles, Moses sought to understand God's ways, and this enabled him to lead Israel effectively as well as perform miracles. This deeper knowledge came from a relationship marked by intimacy and communication with God.
Knowing God's ways equips us with wisdom and insight, enabling us to act in accordance with His will.
Moses demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of God’s will and ways. For example, when a plague broke out among the Israelites, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer and make atonement for the people (Numbers 16:46-48). This act, borne from intimate knowledge of God, stopped the plague. Having a deep relational knowledge of God is the only way to gain such divine insight and wisdom.
By focusing on building a relational knowledge of God, we open ourselves to a more profound experience of His presence, wisdom, and power in our lives. We must seek to know God, and watch everything else follow from that deep, abiding relationship.
Song of Worship
Draw me close
Song by Michael W. Smith
Prayer - Heavenly Father, I desire to know You more deeply and intimately. Teach me Your ways, O Lord, and draw me closer to Your heart. Empower me with Your strength so that I may stand firm in faith and carry out great exploits for Your glory. Let my life be a testament to Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Job 3-4
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