“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
“Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:5
Moses regularly met with God at the tent of meeting. The Lord would descend in a cloud and speak with him face to face, friend to friend. Moses conversed with honesty and passion, desperate for His favor and presence. He longed to see His glory- to tap an intimacy deeper than any human can manufacture or describe. Their relationship grew deeper through this ongoing communion and Moses’ obedience, and unbeknownst to him, he would part their time together reflecting the shine of God’s splendor. Earnest time in God’s presence always makes a difference in our countenance. (Exodus 33:7-23; 34:4-9,27-28)
God has established a new way for us to meet with Him since the rending of the veil at Christ’s crucifixion, more accessible than for the Old Testament saints. He invites us at any time into an ever-growing friendship. He is always available and accessible, His throne ours to approach and beseech, His love and confidence ours for the trusting. (Matthew 27:50-51; John 15:15; Hebrews 4:16; 6:19-20; 10:19-22)
Does our relationship with Him take preeminence in days easy to fill with other things? What priority do we give focused one-on-one time in His word and prayer to get to know Him, take in His promises, confess our sins, share our quandaries and needs, listen? What practical changes can we make- in time scheduled, handling of devices and media, making a quiet private place- to enhance our communion with the Almighty? (Matthew 6:6)
When we read or hear direct instruction, do we move promptly forward, trusting His abiding presence and enabling? In what areas are we slow to obey? What selfishness, fear, or hardness of heart keeps us from the urgency of obedience? When we make time for and delight in our relationship with the Lord, we are increasingly filled with His thoughts and inclinations. His purity and love radiate from surrendered soul to manifest expression.
Lord, may I so absorb Your countenance and grace in my time with you that from the inside out I reflect Your excellencies and from morning til night spread your glory.
As the rain and snow 