Exodus 34:29-35 narrates for us what happened to Moses after he was with God on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.
1) Moses’ face shone after being with God in long conversation v. 29b
2) Moses did not know that his face shone v. 29a
3) People who saw Moses were afraid to be near him. v. 30
4) Moses commanded them to do everything the Lord told him on the mountain. v. 31-32
5) Moses covered his face when he spoke to the people and took off the veil when he was with the Lord. Consistently, the people would see that his brilliant face after each encounter. v.33-35
To ponder:
Do I spend time with God? Is it only me speaking – telling him what I want, how I feel, what I need? Do I hear God as well? Do I listen attentively?
What happens in the time spent with God is seen in what happens after being with God. Moses’ face shone after his time with God. The glory of God was reflected on his face like a mirror.
Does my life reflect God’s glory, His grace and mercy? God is just. Do I live according to His standard of justice? Do I play favorites? Do I have one standard for myself and another for others? God is merciful. Am I forgiving? How do I show kindness and compassion to the needy and the helpless? God is righteous. Do I do the right thing even when no one is looking?
Moses did not know his face shone. He did not need to be aware of it. It was just so apparent and visible to all those who saw him. Self-awareness and self-sufficiency… Self-awareness is knowing myself in my heart/mind for self-evaluation. Self-sufficiency is being so full of myself there is no room for self-deficiency: no room for improvement hence no need for self-evaluation.
People see what’s reflected outside. No matter how I think, what I say and what I do speak loudly. Do my words and actions shine for Jesus?
Let me cover my shiny face because there is no need to show it. Let me come bare before God because with him, and in him, I can come just as I am.
May the Holy Spirit fill me with His glory that my life will be reflection of His love, grace and mercy. Amen.
