Ex. 33:11‑34:8
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” . “With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD” . “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” .
Oh that all God’s servants were like Moses! For it is only as we see the Lord face to face, that we are transformed into His image and are able to influence others in the way Moses was able to . We become more like Christ as we are taught by the Holy Spirit.
“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you” . This should be the sincere desire of all God’s servants! .
The character of God which is displayed in His mercy and grace is echoed in several OT passages: <see Num.14:18; Neh.9:17; Psa.86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2>: theses verses quote Ex.34:6‑7. This, then, is God’s response to Moses’ request in Ex.33:13 “teach me your ways”.
“Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” . It should be noted that in answer to this request God says to His servant that “my face must not be seen” . Moses could only see the “back of God” ; so God had to hide Moses in a “cleft in the rock” . No description is given in regards to God’s glory other than Moses’ response: “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshipped”. <Ex.34:8 NIV; and further alluded to in Lk.9:28-36; Jn. 1:14>.
May this be the response of all God’s servants as God reveals Himself to us in whatever way He chooses; let us bow in worship to His great name that is above all other names .
The evidence of being in God’s presence will be displayed in the life of God’s servant: “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.” . “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever‑increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” .
Let us, as God’s servants, always seek to reflect His glory!