Please, show me Your glory. Exodus 33:18 (NKJV)
This was the request of Moses as he talked with God; pleading for the salvation of his nation, despite their rebellion. It had not been that long since the Glory of God had descended upon the mountain; and the people of Israel saw it as a devouring fire.
And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. Exodus 24:16-17
God had presented to Moses the law by which the children of Israel could follow after Him. While Moses was high upon the mount with the Glory of God at a distance high upon the mountain appearing as a devouring fire; they, the people grew impatient and fearful. They decided to build a golden calf to worship. Somehow, they forgot all that God had done in rescuing them from slavery. Had they begun to believe the whispering lie that perhaps God had abandoned them, that He really didn’t want for their best? Or was it pride that made them think they could figure out a better way for themselves? Was it lust and desire that caused them to want to worship a tangible Golden Calf instead of God? What about you and I? Do we run and hide from God rather than to seek to see His Glory?
When God told Moses that they had built a Golden calf, Moses pleaded with God that they not be destroyed. Moses went down the mountain and there in anger broke the tables of stone. Moses then loudly asked, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” That day they purged from the camp all who chose not follow God.
And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Exodus 32:31-32
Moses was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the people; much like the picture of Jesus who would be the only worthy sacrifice. The blotless lamb of God who would shed His Blood that we might be saved. Moses could not be the Savior; but, he was to point the way toward the Savior who would come.
Moses led the people to where God had asked and there he there went in unto the tabernacle. Once more, God descended to speak with Moses.
So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33: 11-14
Then, Moses says, “If your presence goes with us, it is that which separates us from the rest of the nations!” The presence of God going with us is what differs us from those who do not seek Him. He is the difference. His presence, His friendship, His guidance and His counsel. He knows me by name and I have found grace in His sight. Not by works of my own Hand; but through the Grace given me by Jesus Christ having died on the cross. Salvation is by faith. In the Old Testament, it was faith that looked forward to the Messiah. Now, it is accepting the gift of Salvation that was already provided by God’s own son dying on the cross to pay the price of sin.
Then it was that Moses asked to see God’s Glory.
So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.” Exodus 33:17-23 (NKJV)
So, my question to you and to me is: “What am I willing to lay aside to see a Glimpse of God’s Glory?” Am I willing to lay aside every other desire to seek after Him? Am I willing to empty my hands of every treasure that I have been clinging to so that I might see His Glory?
[tweetthis]The Glory of Christ in Salvation is God’s Greatest Glory on display[/tweetthis] What am I willing to sacrifice or what pain am I willing to endure for the Salvation of one lost soul, that I might see God’s Glory on display?
[bctt tweet=”What am I willing to endure that God’s Glory might be shown in me and through me?” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Often for others to see God’s Glory in us; we must endure trials.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Will I honestly with all my heart say to God ‘Show me Your Glory!’ & trust Him with the rest?” username=”effiedarlene”]
Listen to this song: We Have Seen God’s Glory
Picture by permission of: https://unsplash.com/@arstyy
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.