21June2010 Ex 34:29

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
Moses was not at all concerned about his personal appearance. What a contrast with today’s externally focused culture. For us, everything is about the outward appearance. We have to look the part. We must cover up any blemishes or deficiencies. We have picture perfect lives, but underneath the surface there is lots of turmoil and trouble. Moses has spent 40 days talking with the Lord. As a result his face shines forth the glory of God. He is not even aware of this happening. He could care less. He has seen God’s glory, so any glory he reflects is nothing compared to the glory of God. His small, insignificant glowing is but a flicker compared to God’s brilliance. But Moses just doesn’t even notice the change in his face. To him, it is not important. But the people see this radiance and are afraid. And they have every right to be afraid. The radiance of God, whether direct or reflective, is a cause for fear. His radiance shows our darkness and depravity. Any time we think we have something to offer to God, we need to remember this passage. Moses’ only radiance came from the Lord. He was just as dull and everyone else by himself. It was only as he spent time with the Lord that he had any radiance. We have nothing to offer the world. But if we spend time with the Lord, then His glory will shine through us, and the world will see His glory. That is what we have to offer the world, His glory. But too often we are consumed with our own appearance, our outward, that we don’t spend time in His presence.