“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 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. 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.
“Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.” Exodus 34:29-35
“Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.” Luke 9:28-29
Approaching the Holy One requires initiative, and communing with Him initiates change. While Moses was enthralled with worship of the Lord, the Lord was affecting him from the inside out. Glory exalted became glory emanated. Jesus’s intent was prayer, and God His Father’s parallel work was to radiate His glory through His Son.
When we go to pray, motive and content determine the outcome. The power of prayer issues not from the worthiness of our desires or skill of our words, but from the power of God. We mustn’t go thinking we can change God, but seeking the Lord Jesus and open to His change of us.
Recognizing the significance of the altar comes first. We meet Him only by way of the unblemished Lamb’s sacrifice for us. Cleansed, covered in His righteousness, we can expectantly come to the place of meeting. Beholding His face, lifting high His greatness, seizing His promises backed by righteous character makes a difference in our wanting and thinking. Self-promotion and tenacious driving are transformed when we meet with the Holy One and offer ourselves as living sacrifices on the altar. The worshiping, dependent, and thankful are those with whom the Father is well pleased. (Luke 8:33-35; Romans 12:1-3)
If constantly frustrated at a sense of distance or unanswered requests, could it be we haven’t honestly met the Lord at His prescribed altar, heaven’s mercy seat? Do we approach Christ on His behalf, or our own sin-stained load of rights and demands? Do we bring empty bags to be filled, or do we empty ourselves before God for Him to fill?
How dedicated are we to seasons of prayer? How has prayer over time changed us? How will we contemplate the altar anew in order to be altered by the Lord? (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 4:12)
Father, keep me humble and dependent at Your altar, captivated with and changed by Your glory.
As the rain and snow 