Exodus 34

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Exodus 34:29-35, When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.

When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

After Moses returned to Mt. Sinai to get a new and improved copy of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets, it is obvious he has been with God.  Scripture says that his face was radiant.  In fact, it says that whenever Moses went to speak with God, his face always appeared radiant and he would actually put a veil over his face.  It must have been quite bright! 

Why was this a big deal?  What was the significance of sharing about the radiance of Moses' face? Pointing out the change in Moses' face showed that he truly had been with God.  He was God's representative to the people and there was no way they could deny that.  It also confirmed that God's presence was still with them.  God's presence made a lasting effect on Moses' face that the people would constantly be reminded of.  Finally, it was a visible demonstration of God's power.  Moses didn't even look directly at God but yet his face was powerfully changed.  If simply being in a somewhat near proximity to God made such an impression, then obviously God was capable of much, much more. 

When I read this chapter, I couldn't help hear the words of the praise song, Holy Ground, by Passion.  It goes something like this, "Here as we wait, Seek your face, Come and make your throne upon our praise. Here in this place, Have your way, the moment that we see you, we are changed. Show us your glory, Show us your glory, In wonder and surrender we fall down..."

We may not see the presence of God in the same way that Moses did, but God still can demonstrate and show us his glory.  When he does, we are changed.  We might not radiate it on our faces but our hearts and lives are transformed.  God's glory is still powerful and leaving undeniable marks in our lives.  How have you experienced God's glory?  How do you want to experience his glory in your life right now?

Let's pray...Dear Lord, show us your glory.  We want to see your power.  We want to see you at work in unmistakable ways.  Leave your mark on us.  Change us and transform us in ways that make a difference for your Kingdom.  In Jesus' Powerful Name, Amen.