I have often thought of and been a bit envious of Moses' experience with God on Mount Sinai when he received the ten commandments. To read this story for yourself click on this link from the Blue Letter Bible: Exodus 34:28-35. As I thought about how awesome it would be to actually see God face to face, I wished, begged, prayed, and hoped that I could sometime see the glory of God without having to wait until I died to see it! "Show me your glory," I would often pray.
I also found it very interesting that Moses' face was so radiant that the Israelites could not stand to look at him. Because of this Moses would cover his face with a veil when he talked to them, but he would take it off when he talked with the LORD.
So, after years of pining and whining about not getting to see the glory of God like Moses had, I came across this passage in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 that really blew my mind. In essence it seemed to be saying to me that although Moses' face shone and reflected God's glory so much that he had to wear a veil to hide the brightness, it wasn't nearly as big a deal as we have today when the glory of God shines through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What do I mean by that last statement? We receive something Moses never was able to know. He lived under the law, the commandments that no one could live up to. We who have believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior, however, experience not only forgiveness of our sins, but also the life giving presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
And here's the deal! God wants to shine His glory through us for all the world to see. He doesn't want us to try to hide it and veil our faces. Just as a groom pulls back the wedding veil, we are the Bride of Christ; He wants to pull back that veil and let everyone see the life and joy that we have received from Him!
When I think about this, I'm not so jealous of Moses anymore! ...And I do hope that His glory is shining through me! Unlike Moses, I don't carry a tablet of stone with the commandments on it, ...but I do write God's name on rocks! (To see some of my art work, please check out my other blog by clicking this link - Rock4Today.)
Blessings on Spiritual Sundays for allowing me to link with them!
I also found it very interesting that Moses' face was so radiant that the Israelites could not stand to look at him. Because of this Moses would cover his face with a veil when he talked to them, but he would take it off when he talked with the LORD.
So, after years of pining and whining about not getting to see the glory of God like Moses had, I came across this passage in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 that really blew my mind. In essence it seemed to be saying to me that although Moses' face shone and reflected God's glory so much that he had to wear a veil to hide the brightness, it wasn't nearly as big a deal as we have today when the glory of God shines through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What do I mean by that last statement? We receive something Moses never was able to know. He lived under the law, the commandments that no one could live up to. We who have believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior, however, experience not only forgiveness of our sins, but also the life giving presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
And here's the deal! God wants to shine His glory through us for all the world to see. He doesn't want us to try to hide it and veil our faces. Just as a groom pulls back the wedding veil, we are the Bride of Christ; He wants to pull back that veil and let everyone see the life and joy that we have received from Him!
When I think about this, I'm not so jealous of Moses anymore! ...And I do hope that His glory is shining through me! Unlike Moses, I don't carry a tablet of stone with the commandments on it, ...but I do write God's name on rocks! (To see some of my art work, please check out my other blog by clicking this link - Rock4Today.)
Blessings on Spiritual Sundays for allowing me to link with them!
8 comments:
Hallelujah ... we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Oh yes, we are blessed to have grace and the Holy Spirit within us.
Blessings,
Joan
Hi Esther Joy - I would like others to see Christ's glory shining through me, daily as I walk in His grace.
Great post
God bless
Tracy
never thought of that passage like that....I've never seen Him face to face....but I feel HIm everyday....He's the wind beneath my wings...and I love that. Happy Weekend
Oh, this is so true! Wonderful post for all of us...lifting our veils to reveal God's glory in us....through us. Beautiful!
www.myautumnyears.blogspot.com
So happy I was born on this side of the veil. I'm striving to let others see God's glory through me. And when I fail, grace is there to forgive again. I've often wondered what it will be like to look into the face of God. There's joy in the knowledge that some day I will!
Love love love this! You know its so true, when someone who is so close to God and walking in His presence you can see it. The joy, life, and love they express is so undeniable and amazing. I hope that I live a life that reflects Jesus with the Holy spirit guiding me and completely unveiled!
Thank you so much for sharing!
I've had those similar thoughts before, being jealous of Moses, until I realize, like you, that we have so much more today. These are special times too.
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