Reflected Glory — Part 3: 01/24/2024

Broadcast

                       Reflected Glory - Part 3
                            Exodus 34:32-33
                              01/24/2024


        32   Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and
             he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken
             with him in Mount Sinai.
        33   And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he
             put a veil over his face.  (ESV)

        Moses, having received the tablet of the Law from God,
   descended from Mount Sinai.  His face shown with the reflected
   glory of God.  The leaders of the people, and the children of
   Israel, were afraid of Moses because He had changed having been
   in the presence of the Holy One.

        Aaron and the leaders of the people eventually approached
   Moses to hear what God had said.
        Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he
        commanded them all that the LORD had spoken with him in
        Mount Sinai.  And when Moses had finished speaking with
        them, he put a veil over his face.


        Sinners, confronted with God's holiness, cannot see His face
   and live.  Sinners, even confronted with the reflection of God's
   glory, are terrified.  Even today, when people see a pastor in a
   clerical collar away from the church, they are uncomfortable,
   change their speech, and avoid talking to God's representative.
   We see our sin, and we know we are unworthy.

        This is why God works through humble earthly elements to
   bring you the good news of His love, grace, and mercy.  We can't
   tolerate the fullness of His glory, so He comes to us in His
   Word, in the water of baptism, in the bread and wine of the
   Lord's Supper, and the pronouncement of forgiveness given at
   Jesus' command.  Even Jesus hid the fullness of His glory,
   humbling Himself as a servant, taking upon Himself our sins.

        May our Lord give us the vision to see Him hidden in His
   Word and Sacraments for our salvation.  Amen.