Glory

Read:

Exodus 33:18 “Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’”

Exodus 34:29 “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.”

Think:

Moses uttered a heartfelt prayer, "Show me your glory," but it came only after the children of Israel had veered off course, worshiping the golden calf. This prayer followed the shattering of the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments, the loss of 3,000 lives, and numerous intercessions with God. It emerged after Moses had rescued the nation from destruction and received God's assurance of his unwavering presence. While some of us may handle adversity with resilience, and others may endure a considerable amount of hardship, every individual has a breaking point. It matters not who we are, where we find ourselves, or what our past accomplishments entail—we all have a breaking point, sometimes discovering it abruptly and without warning.

In the darkness, we acquire profound wisdom that may escape us in the light. It is amidst affliction that our character is fortified, surpassing the growth we experience during tranquil times. It is no coincidence that Moses glimpsed the glory of God during a period of personal crisis.

At times, our prayers may echo Moses' plea, "Lord, show me your glory," with a hidden longing for a transformative inner experience. In unspoken words, we yearn for a closeness to God that will make us better individuals, dispel doubts, strengthen our faith, shield us from temptation, and overflow our hearts with joy. In Moses' case, the true benefit was witnessed by others. They beheld the visible evidence of God's work before Moses himself did on his countenance. When you have been with Jesus it will show!

Apply:

Lean in to Jesus. Ask him to “show you his glory.”

Pray:

Jesus, I want to be so close to you that people can see you through me. Help me to show your love, your peace, your kindness to others. Help me to exude the life of Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.