Glory Or Gloom!

When Moses was on the mountain to receive the Law from God, he stated his desire for God to show him His glory. (Ex. 33:18) God’s response was that He would have His goodness pass before him, but Moses could not see His face. ( Exodus 33:19-20)

Speaking to Moses, God continued…
“(22) and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. (23) Then I will take away my hand, and YOU SHALL SEE MY BACK, but my face shall not be seen.” ( Exodus 33:22-23 ESV)

What a glorious thing Moses was able to experience. No description is given, but Moses observed a sight not shared by others. This special servant of God received a special privilege as he was there in the presence of God on the mountain.

To consider the “BACK” OF GOD is not always a glorious picture. I thought of Moses’ experience mentioned above as I was reading through Jeremiah recently. The mention of the “BACK” OF GOD with regard to Judah during the day’s of Jeremiah was a picture of gloom, not glory.

We read….
“Like the east wind I will scatter them before the enemy. I WILL SHOW THEM MY BACK, NOT MY FACE, in the day of their calamity.” ( Jeremiah 18:17 ESV)

This was not a picture of God revealing a part of Himself or coming to save, but rather God turning HIS BACK on them, allowing the nation to be taken captive by another. God was turning HIS BACK on the nation because they continued to turn their back on His commands. In order to have the glory of God turned back toward them there was the need to turn back toward Him.

The people needed a heart that would sincerely express the psalmist Asaph’s words…
“RESTORE US, O LORD God of hosts! LET YOUR FACE SHINE, THAT WE MAY BE SAVED!” ( Psalm 80:19 ESV)

David encouraged…
“(3) Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? (4) He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. (5) He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (6) SUCH IS THE GENERATION OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM, WHO SEEK THE FACE OF THE GOD OF JACOB. Selah” ( Psalm 24:4-6 ESV)

We do not want the “BACK” OF GOD turned toward us. Therefore, let us continually seek His face by submitting to His Will that the light of His favor may shine upon us.

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE GLORY OF GOD’S FAVOR!
Carl

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