Reflection on Exodus 34:29-35
Scripture
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the Covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord.
Observation
Moses comes down from Mount Sinai carrying the tablets with the covenant on them. As he approaches the people of Israel, they see the radiance of his face from speaking to the Lord. They are terrified and refused to come near him.
Moses calls Aaron and the other leaders of the community to come over to him. Then the rest of the people approach him. Moses instruct them about the Lord.
Moses and covers his face with a veil. He would remove the veil when in the presence of the Lord. The people would see the radiance on his face, and then he would cover his face until the next time he went to speak with the Lord.
Application
Moses was unaware that his conversation with the Lord transformed his appearance.
Christians likewise at transformed by our interacting with the Lord. We carry the presence of the Holy Spirit wherever we go, and that changes the way we look.
I once knew a man who claimed he could tell from a group photo who the Christians were. There is an appearance about their face as the glory of the presence of the Lord shines through.
People who do not know Jesus can see this too. For some who hate God this leads them to hate us. Others are drawn to us, intrigued by the presence of God in our lives.
We take these things for granted, but, aware of it or not, the presence of God is a visible mark all believers carry.
Prayer
Thank you Lord that your presence is changing me, even to the point of changing my appearance. Amen
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