Today I read Exodus 33 and 34, which talked about God renewing the covenant with the Israelites, Moses seeing God’s glory and having a shining face, and Moses writing the second tables of stone tablets. Today I considered that one person saved thousands, God gives grace but still wants obedience, and God’s glory can change your appearance to others.
Grace Because of Moses
God went from wanting to destroy everyone but Moses to giving the Israelites grace and promises (Exodus 32:10, 33:1-16, and 34:7-10). God was angry at the people after they made the molten calf and other sinful deeds. God said he would not go among the people and the people mourned. God had them take off their adornments like probably jewelry. Moses talked to God and God gave him grace such that God agreed to do marvelous things for the Israelites. God reinforced his covenant to drive out the inhabitants of the land. Sometimes God protects many for one person. We could be that one person that is the protection for others.
Rules Still Existed
God can give grace but still expected obedience (Exodus 34:11-28). God decided to still be there for the Israelites, but wanted them to follow His commandments. God wanted to be the only one worshiped, to eliminate temptation to worship false gods through foreign people, to observe His feasts, and other things. We are to not only believe in God’s grace but to try to obey what we believe God tells us to do.
God’s Glory Resting Upon Us
God can make you appear different from other people similar to how Moses shined (Exodus 33:17-23 and 34:2-6). Moses truly wanted to see God. God promised to let Moses see His glory. Moses had to go up to the mountain alone. Moses saw God’s back so he would not die from seeing God’s face. Moses was on the mountain 40 days with God. During those 40 days Moses rewrote the tablets of stone. When Moses went down to the people his face was shining so much that they feared him and Moses wore a veil before the people. Truly loving and communing with God can make us appear different to people.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you ever heard someone say “something looks different about you” to a person that became saved?