PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Feb
02
02
Standing Out in a Cookie Cutter World
Craig Peterson
Scripture
Exodus 33:15 – 16 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
Observation
Moses had a closer, more personal relationship with God than anyone else in all of Israel. God met with him and spoke with him directly. God advised and directed Moses as he led the Israelites. So what was Moses’ greatest concern as he led God’s people? He didn’t want to blend in with other people. He wanted to make sure that Israel was distinguished from all other people on the face of the earth so everyone would know that they were God’s people and that He was pleased with them. He wanted to be known for their faith in Almighty God.
Application
I remember moving to a new city between 2nd and 3rd grade. It wasn’t easy showing up to school. I was the new kid. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know what kids thought was cool and what they thought was geeky. Most of the kids had grown up together and knew each other well. I remember wanting one thing…I wanted to blend in. I wanted to be like everyone else. I didn’t want to be singled out. This is a natural behavior, a normal default. But, this is not what God wants for us. God wants us to be different. God wants us to stand out, not so people can make fun of us. God wants us to be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth so we can reflect His presence. He wants us to stand out because of His love and his mercy and his compassion flowing through us. He wants me to be salt. He wants me to be light. He wants me to be different. He wants us to be a Godly people in an increasingly Godless world.
Prayer
Lord, I’ve spent too much time trying to fit in. I want to know you more; to become more like you, so I can display who you are to those who don’t know you. Use me to be different as you are different. And, use me to make a difference for your kingdom here on earth. I want to be different so people will want to know why...so they will want to know you!
