February 12

Shining Faces

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 24:7-10 | Exodus 34:1 – 35:9 | Matthew 27:15-31 | Proverbs 9:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Exodus 34:1 – 35:9

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant” (Exodus 34:29 NIV).

Moses had asked to see the glory of the Lord, “Now show me your glory” (33:18). The Lord gave him as much as he could handle: “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence . . . but you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (33:19-20). He had an awesome experience of the glory of the Lord.

But God gave Moses more than a one-time experience. He found the joy of the ongoing glory of the Lord’s presence as he spent time with Him.  This glory would be reflected on his countenance—his face would be radiant.  His face so reflected the glory of the Lord, that the people were afraid of Him when he would come down from his times with the Lord—even Aaron. “The Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory” (2 Cor. 3:7).

Yet as glorious as that is, the New Testament suggests that Moses glory cannot compare to the surpassing glory of Christ in us, the glory that lasts. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed in his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17-18).

True Christianity is a relationship with Christ. As we spend time with Him, we reflect more and more of his character. Our whole being reflects his glory (2 Corinthians 3). Not only our faces, but our whole being and lifestyle reflects the glory of Christ within.

Moses experienced glory by being in the presence of the Lord. So do we. But there is no need for a veil anymore. The world needs to see Christ’s life reflected through his followers who are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory.

Enjoy his presence today. Come away gloriously transformed by time in the presence of the Lord.

Glorious Lord, I long to be transformed into the likeness of Christ with ever-increasing glory. By your Spirit, shine through me. May my heart be captivated by your glory, and may others see Jesus in me. Amen.