The Phil Files

Some times I am irrationally jealous of God’s leaders from Bible times. In many ways, their lot was tougher. Who would want to live in days without running water, toilets, central heating, and mobile devices? (Okay, we could live without the last one, but really, those first three are pretty big deals!) And from my experience, those Bible times folks had to deal with way more whiners, back-biters, and complainers. And way too frequently, disputes were handled with the business end of a spear or a sword.

But one thing I miss: God speaking directly about the direction His people need to go. Sure, I would get whacked from some inconsistencies in my life like they were, but there are many times in spiritual leadership where I wish I could hear a clear voice from heaven say, “Do this!”

I know there are a lot of “the Lord put it on my heart” people willing to tell me what the Lord has told them what He wants me to do, but invariably, they don’t seem to be hearing from Him on what they are to do or at least don’t seem to show the fruit of that in their lives.

And yes, I know there are bunch of folks who claim God has spoken a special word to them about something, but invariably those folks want me to send money in to them to support their ministry.

And yes, I do believe God has been clear about guiding me on some important decisions in my life — I believe in prayer and fasting and I am a bit of a “fleece checker” when making important decisions.

So here’s the deal. After my journey through some of Leviticus, Exodus, Numbers, and part of Deuteronomy I noticed a phrase occurring again and again: “… the LORD said to Moses …” There are even subtle variants of this. The phrase occurs over 135 times in those four books of the Bible. I could use that clarity. It would save time. It would save submission — I’d just have to obey a clear command from God.

But there was something unique about Moses. I am not Moses. I may have a bit of the temper, but that’s about it. And this is how God says it when he rebukes a rebellious Miriam and Aaron (Numbers 12:6-8):

“Listen to my words:
“When there are prophets of the LORD among you,
I reveal myself to them in visions,
I speak to them in dreams.
But this is not true of my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.
With him I speak face to face,
clearly and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the LORD.
Why then were you not afraid
to speak against my servant Moses?”

So I guess I am left to be jealous of Moses’ conversations with God and called to pray, fast, seek Scripture, obey, and … listen.