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Moses Comes Down
29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai, carrying the Ten Commandments. His face was shining brightly because the Lord had been speaking to him. But Moses did not know at first that his face was shining. 30When Aaron and the others looked at Moses, they saw this, and they were afraid to go near him. 31Moses called out for Aaron and the leaders to come to him, and he spoke with them. 32Then the rest of the people of Israel gathered around Moses, and he gave them the laws that the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.
33The face of Moses kept shining, and after he had spoken with the people, he covered his face with a veil. 34Moses would always remove the veil when he went into the sacred tent to speak with the Lord. And when he came out, he would tell the people everything the Lord had told him to say. 35They could see that his face was still shining. So after he had spoken with them, he would put the veil back on and leave it on until the next time he went to speak with the Lord.
Reflect
Spending time together is critical for healthy relationships. Regular intimate conversations are the foundation of lasting marriages and friendships. In fact, sometimes it seems that facial features of married couples even begin to grow in similarity. This might cause anxiety for some but relief for others!
For Moses, intimacy with God was a rare blessing. After spending time with God his face radiated. This was more than the glow of happiness. This was a reflection of the glory of God. In fact the brilliance was so great it frightened people.
We too reflect the glory of God. As we maintain the discipline of spending time with God in prayer and Bible study, our faces take on the sheen of God’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Although our experience may not be as brilliant as that of Moses, God still shines through the community of faith.
The brilliance is most obvious when in contrast to the surroundings. When there is anxiety and worry, the peace and confidence of God’s people glows in contrast. When there are situations of bitterness and suspicion, the embrace and love of God’s people gleams in contrast. It is these circumstances that the brilliance of God’s glory is most evident.
It is good to be reminded of our radiant nature as children of God. When we allow daily life to cloud over our true identity, we are like Moses covering his face with a veil. But as Jesus reminded us, no one lights a lamp and then attempts to hide its light. In like manner the character of God’s grace and mercy is to shine through the children of God.
Today you may have many opportunities to shine in contrast. Rather than avoid these situations, seek them out. You will be amazed at how brilliant God will be through you.
Respond
Lord, help me shine your radiance today. Help me seek to display your glory to everyone I meet.
Willard Metzger
Willard Metzger has 18 years experience as a pastor with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) and served as National Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada. He began his current role as Executive Director with Mennonite Church Canada in 2010. Willard has earned a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry degree. He loves travel and the outdoors. Publications: 2010, Stiller, Karen & Metzger, Willard. Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian churches who have embraced missional life. Word Alive Press