Clarity (Exodus 33: 12-23)
12Moses said to the LORD, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
17The LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22and 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; 23then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”
Does Moses’ request to see God’s glory seem audacious? Imagine, a flawed human insisting that a perfect God acquiesce to his needs! Clarity is what he was asking for. Afterall, he had been set in charge of delivering a doubt-filled group of grumblers and complainers out of Egypt and leading them to the distant promised land. There were many obstacles for them just as there are multiple trials for us in our day to day lives. The mundane settles in, dulling our senses, and our ever-changing environments bring new questions which we must deal with. What is needed is an awe-inspiring vision, something that will last, something that sustains. For Moses, he needed inspiration enough to overcome momentary doubt giving him vitality to persevere.
“What are we doing out here in the desert?” Moses might have asked. As is for everyone, he needed assurance that God was present in what might have seemed like random meandering. Understandable, because we too need that vary affirmation. So often we ask, “God, are you here?” And this is where the story gets interesting. For, as the conversation unfolds, we find God to be so gracious to Moses just as He is to us. He gives what is needed, not because Moses deserved anything, but because God is compassionate and loving toward the human predicament. And so, he gives just enough knowing that too much will overwhelm us. And the lesson becomes how do we be thankful, and express gratitude, for our daily bread.
Imagine the Israelites, how they had somehow forgotten the marvelous display of power on their behalf not so long ago. There was the Passover, the parting of the sea, the mana from heaven, and Christ’s vary presence in the water that gushed forth from a rock. How could they forget? Why was there doubt? Do they need to be treated to lavish abundance and easy success every moment of the day in order to stay on track? God knows that the answer to this question is a resounding no. Too much brings dissipation and complacency. Too much develops attitudes of pride and self-entitlement.
For us, we mustn’t forget the times when God blessed extravagantly, whose presence was indisputable, who gave vitality and vigor, who inspired us with a sense of purpose and wellbeing. In John, Jesus promises life to the full for those who obey. Every moment might not be good, but the overall direction is that of sustained growth. If we don’t grieve the Spirit, we feel his presence in good and in bad. Peace settles into our hearts and we have clarity. Clarity brings motivation enough to be fruitful. And isn’t that what we ultimately want?
Times of testing are inevitable. Ney, times of testing are God’s will! They produce good in us. They make us mature. The early church received the message with power and conviction. They thrived amidst turmoil and trouble, creating a witness that resounded impressively, reaching far and wide. Within this generation God’s glory had been revealed on the cross at Calvary for all of the world to see. Jesus then rose from the dead and appeared before many. How is that for a vision which gives clarity!
We live and breath because Jesus lives and breathes: Christ in us! God has revealed his glory, then and now. What else do we need? We are called to live lives of faith, confident that it will all be worth it. Today, we participate in His blessings. Even more, “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5: 3-5). So, be inspired to live lives of hope!
Today when you pray in your moment of need, pray boldly: “Let me see your glory.” Be confident that He will reveal himself to you. Maybe you will be surprised by an overflow of peace and vitality. Maybe you will be caught off guard by joy; for God lives in you. Whatever the case, receive it with thanksgiving. And don’t doubt about its origin. God showed himself to Moses. He will show himself to you.