Seeking God's will

In Exodus 18, we read an account of Jethro's visit with Moses. Jethro was Moses' father-in-law and brought Moses' wife and children to him. During the visit, Jethro observed that Moses was taking his seat to serve as judge for the people, who came to him with disputes to seek God's will. There were hundrends of thousands of Israelites and just one Moses to let them know of God's will. Jethro suggested that Moses should appoint capable men to become judges of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands and people should only bring to Moses difficult cases that could not be judged by the officials of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands. Moses took up the suggestion and did likewise.

In order for this new system to work, Moses had to do a few things first. First, he had to teach the people God's decrees and laws that told the people how to live and the duties they are to perform (v. 20). Second, the officials that were chosen were to be God-fearing, trustworthy men who hated dishonest gain (v. 21). Then they could decide simple cases (v. 22).

I wonder if this is the same way God lets His will known to us. For simple things, we can decide based on God's revealed laws and decrees in the Bible, acting in God-fearing and trustworthy manner without seeking dishonest gain. God has given us (Christians) mental faculty to do that much. We can decide whether to eat spinach or cabbage, as long as not in excess or gluttony. We can decide where to stop to fill the car with gas. We can decide to favor one clothing over another, as long as not being licentious. We do not have to wait to hear God's specific instruction each time we do such a simple task, because He has given us instructions on how to live dutifully and harmoniously. We should still pray and seek to stay God-fearing and trustworthy in all matters, simple or difficult.

I remember my childhood days, when I would stop to pray after every move of playing marbles or anything else. After each play, I would crouch and curl up to pray briefly. I do not remember exactly what I said in prayer. I might have prayed to repent about any evil thought that might have entered me since a few seconds ago and to be better henceforth. As I got older, I stopped doing that. I am not sure if I could have continued it and maintained a "normal" life. That probably was not what God would have demanded of me. I think a certain amount of exercise of judgment and discernment based on what I have learned of the Word of God is allowed.

On the other hand, as Israelites did even after appointment of officials of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands, all "difficult" matters are to be brought to God to seek His will.

What are the difficult matters for which I should seek a clear revelation of God's will, in addition to mere application of what I already know as the revealed truth of the Bible? Biblical examples abound. First, David was a man of God, who endeared the Word of God as sweeter than honey and more precious than pure gold (Psalm 19:10) and probably meditated on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). He prayed to the Lord all the time and was in close touch with Him. Yet each time he faced a difficult situation, he asked the Lord. Any major question of coming or going was directed to Him. For example, David inquired of the Lord on whether he and his men, who were chased after by Saul, should go to Keilah to save it from the Philistines (I Samuel 23:1-2) and whether to leave it afterwards when Saul was coming after them (I Samuel 23:11-12). Second, the Apostles inquired of the Lord before selecting Matthias to replace Judah as one of the Twelve (Acts 1:12-26). Setting apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work of evangelization was done at the specific direction of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-3). Any major selection of people for God-appointed tasks needs to be inquired of the Lord. Third, I take a lesson from the mistakes of Joshua and the Israelites in entering into an oath with Gibeon (Joshua 9). Because Joshua and the Israelites did not inquire of the Lord (v. 9), they entered into a treaty they should not have. I should seek God's will before any treaty, agreement, or commitment.

God is my Father (Romans 8:15). As a father of my three children, I take delight when my own children ask for my advice. I think my heavenly Father will also take delight whenever I inquire of Him on what I should do. Yes, He has given me some wisdom and discretion and has even put His laws in my heart (Jeremiah 31:33). Yet I remain clueless without His guidance and direction. I need His guidance and direction in all phases of my life.

Heavenly Father, I want to stay in close contact with You. Forgive me of all my sins and cleanse me, so that I may hear You. Give me clear directions on all matters that affect me -- what I have to do for myself, what I have to do for my family, what I have to do at work, what I should do and be in all facets of my life. Father, I cry out to You to lead me, so that I may follow You. In Christ's Name. Amen.