When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.
When Moses went into the presence of the Lord, his being reflected God's glory so that all others could see it. It was a testament to where he'd been, and who he'd been with. Reasonably it scared those around him. There wasn't any denying who's company he kept, that his friend was the creator and he spoke to him. He was God's, man.
When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out.Related Article: What Does His Voice Sound Like?
And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant.
But as time wore on the radiance of God's presence would fade away, so he'd put on a veil so others wouldn't see. He didn't want them to see the truth, that he'd been away, from his friend. He didn't want it out that he was the perfect follower, that his heart strayed. It was a pride thing, he wanted everyone to see the perfect walk straight and narrow no mishaps. He'd get so caught up wanting others to see him and wonder about the man in a veil, that he no longer reflected Him.
Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord. Exodus 34:29-35 (NIV)How often do we do this in our own walk? I know I am guilty of it, we know the right words to keep that mask firmly in place. But if we're honest with no one but ourselves we know we mess up. We stray after shiny things like toddlers toddling after a prize. Stop chasing that shiny thing, that prize you so desperately seek is already in your hands. Seek Him. Draw near. Not to show off, but because He is your friend. Because He died to ransom you from that same thing that keeps you from shining brightly for Him in the darkness.
Are you going to be a beacon for God in the midst of the darkness, or are you going to hide that light away so you can be in the spotlight instead of being the spotlight?
Good things to ponder.... and so important to evaluate our heart motivation. Thank you.
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