Broadcast
Reflected Glory - Part 2
Exodus 34:30-31
01/23/2024
30 Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and
behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were
afraid to come near him.
31 But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the
leaders of the congregation returned to him, and
Moses talked with them. (ESV)
After Moses had broken the tablets of God's Law in righteous
anger when he saw the children of Israel worshiping the golden
calf, God called him back onto Mount Sinai to receive again the
Ten Commandments. Moses was in the presence of God, and saw a
glimpse of His glory. Even with just a glimpse, Moses' face
reflected God's glory when he returned to the camp where the
people waited.
Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and
behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were
afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them, and
Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned
to him, and Moses talked with them.
When we are confronted with God's presence, even the
reflection of God's glory, we tremble in fear. On the day when
Adam first sinned, Eve and he hid from God in shame. The
children of Israel had seen the cloud of God's presence on the
top of the mountain, and saw the effect being in God's presence
reflected in Moses' face. Sinners who are reminded of God and
His holiness flee because they are made aware of their
unrighteousness.
Yet Moses had the good news of God's love to proclaim to the
children of Israel. Rather than fleeing, Moses asked the leaders
to come forward and hear what God had spoken.
May our Lord grant that we may hear His Word, and know that,
through Jesus, we are declared righteous in God's sight. Amen.