Devo: Exodus 33

Exodus 33 is a pretty amazing passage in scripture. I’m sure you could Jesus juke me and tell me I should feel that way about all scripture, but hang with me for a minute. In Exodus 33 verse 17 we see Moses having such a close relationship with God that God tells Moses that anything he asks for will be given to him. Anything. Moses responds in verse 18 with “show me your glory.”

Here’s what happens next: Moses meets God on Mount Sinai, God shows Him His back and Moses’ face lights up with the Glory of the Lord.

Moses was so close to God that when he asked to see God he was granted that request. I’m saying it again because I think most of us have heard this story so many times we move past it. Don’t move past it. God spoke to Moses like a friend. But how did Moses get to that place.

If you look back a little bit, before verse 17, we see that Moses is a worshiper. We see that throughout his life. Exodus 33:15 tells us that Moses wanted nothing more than the presence of God. Moses wasn’t content to have the presence of God sometimes. He wanted it all the time. He even says “if your presence does not go with us, don’t send us.” Moses recognized his constant need for God.

I wonder: if we do what Moses did, then maybe God will do what He did.

If we get in His presence and remain there, if we want nothing more than Him, maybe we’ll see Him a little more clearly. Maybe we’ll see more of His glory.