The Virtue of Inquiry: Moses' Example

Verse: Exodus 3:13 - "Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they ask me, "What is his name?" Then what shall I tell them?'"

Moses' encounter with God in the burning bush is a seminal moment in the biblical narrative. Notably, Moses doesn't hesitate to ask questions, seeking clarification and a deeper understanding of God's nature and character. This exchange demonstrates that doubting or inquiring is not inherently wrong; rather, it's a natural and necessary part of seeking truth.

The common misconception that doubting is always wrong can be detrimental to our spiritual growth. With only one life and no retakes, it's crucial to thoroughly verify the veracity of our beliefs. The fact that God spoke through a burning bush doesn't inherently prove His divinity. Similarly, supernatural experiences don't automatically guarantee truth.

If we genuinely love our life and desire to follow the true God, we must be inquisitively curious. Blindly accepting claims without questioning or doubt doesn't necessarily prove our love for truth. Instead, it may indicate a lack of discernment.

In a world with multiple competing truth claims, we must be willing to ask questions, seek answers, and critically evaluate the evidence. Believing untruth can have far-reaching consequences, both personally and for those around us.

Let us emulate Moses' example, embracing inquiry and doubt as essential components of our spiritual journey.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you with humble hearts, recognizing the importance of inquiry in seeking truth. Help us to be curious and courageous in our pursuit of knowledge, and to verify the truth of our beliefs.

Forgive us for blindly accepting claims without questioning, and teach us to love the truth above all else. May our quest for knowledge be driven by a desire to know you more intimately and to make you known more accurately.

Amen.