Shine, Jesus Shine

Moses was weary; the people God called him to lead were stubborn and whiny. When Moses met with the Lord and delayed coming down the mountain, they built a golden calf to worship. They mourned hearing that God was angry and would no longer go before them lest He “consume them.” Moses met with God in the tabernacle with the cloudy pillar (His presence) in the doorway, asking God to show him His way to lead the people. “And the Lord said unto Moses: I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:17). After meeting with God, Moses had to veil his face because it shone so brightly.

Some Christians are satisfied with being passive members of God’s family, sporadically attending church, praying when needs arise—going through life the best they can. Others are more involved, attend church and pray regularly, use their resources to serve others, and seek God’s guidance. Then there are those like Moses, God’s faithful servant, who not only sought God but said he wasn’t going any further unless he knew His presence was with them. He met with God, and not only his outward appearance changed, but so did his outlook on the task God called him to carry out.

God said He would answer Moses’ request because He found favor with him and knew him by name. He knows you and me by name, too, and wants to show us the way to go. But is God pleased with the condition of our hearts? The key to finding His way and will is to be clean before Him and spend time with Him. Moses wanted to meet with God; he needed to hear from Him, and he did. He listened, received, and acted on God’s instructions; his face glowed when he left God’s presence because he wanted to “see” God—and did. We can do all the “churchy” things we think please God and impress others, but what are we like after being with God? Can we or others tell we were in His presence by our changed attitudes and actions? God’s glory shines, but are we letting Him shine through us?