MOSES.

Moses will forever be one of history’s great men: Miracle worker. Delivered the Jews. Taught them the law and worked as their judge. Founded a new nation. Wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

But more than that, consider his walk with God: the burning bush, encounters with Pharaoh, God spoke to him face-to-face, God gave him the Ten Commandments. God showed him his glory. And later, he joined Jesus and Elijah for a conversation at the Mount of Transfiguration. See Matthew 17.

One curious story happens in Exodus 34. Moses has been talking to God on the Mountain for forty days. He has fasted the whole time. He persuaded God to show Him His glory, and God said “I will place you in the rocks [a cave?] and cover you with my hand as I pass by—for no man can see my face and live—but I will let you see my back.” Then God dictated the ten commands so Moses could carve a replacement set of stone tablets.

Finally, Moses came down the mountain to talk to the people. Do you know what happened? His face shined so brightly with God’s glory that the people were afraid to come near him. He had to put a veil on—had to mask up—just to talk to everyone. From then on, he wore a veil when speaking to people, but took it off when speaking to God.

That’s amazing. And I think God does the same thing today. When we are closest to God—when we have seen His glory and been filled by the intense, white-hot fire of His presence, it radiates from our face. Our countenance is filled with the light and joy and love and glory of the Lord. Have you ever seen that anointing on anyone? It is what I prayed for when portraying Jesus on stage. But it will make some people uncomfortable, just as it did with Moses.

God, may we love you so deeply and communicate with you so intensely that we shine with your glory. Use the joy and peace and grace and love on our faces to draw people to you! 

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3.

I want to shine for God, don’t you?

ΑΩ