When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face was shining [with a unique radiance] because he had been speaking with God.”
Exodus 34:29 AMP
Moses endured another 40 days and 40 nights, without bread or water, in the presence of G-d and it visibly changed his appearance! One would think that he would be pale, with a sunken face after not eating for 40 days – but he wasn’t! His face glowed!! And it kept glowing every time He met with G-d!
Initially the Israelites were afraid to approach Moses but quickly returned when he spoke to them (v. 30-31), and each time Moses met with G-d, Moses continued to bear a unique radiance.
It is interesting to me that the change in Moses’ appearance came at this point. Moses met with G-d many times before. Moses encountered Him in the burning bush, heard His voice through the plagues, and spent 40 days with G-d. Then – the crisis of the calf – and another 40 days. It was in this second 40 day period that Moses was visibly transformed. Why not the others?! I think it was because G-d revealed His glory and nature to Moses and physically came near him:
“Then the Lord passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness); keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].” Moses bowed to the earth immediately and worshiped [the Lord].”
Exodus 34:6-8 AMP
The presence of G-d is transformative, and the more we encounter Him and the more time we spend in the presence of G-d, the more He transforms us into His image. And the transformation should be obvious to those around us. My countenance, my life, should carry a unique radiance that causes others to see Him in and through me.
Each one has their own journey with Him. He alone is the only One with the power to truly transform us and make us radiant. May we be encouraged today that His presence goes with us along the way.
Father – thank You for pursuing me. Transform my heart and life into Your image. Make me a mirror of Your nature and character to those around me. You are good. You can be trusted and Your leadership in my life is perfect. Amen.
Daily Reading: Exodus 33-35