The Radiant Face of Moses

After first receiving the 10 commandments, Moses finds that the Israelites were already worshiping an idol and rebelling against God. In his anger, he destroys the tablets and then punishes the people. In today’s reading, God gives Moses the commandments again, continuing God’s pattern of graciousness when His people fall into sin. Not only is He willing to create new tablets, but He graces Moses with His presence, such that Moses’ face begins to shine!

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

 

Click here to access the reading from Exodus 34:29-35   

 

For more help use this Bible Study method

 

REFLECTION

 

Unveiled Faces

by Tom Richards

Todays’ scripture reading tells us about the glory of the Lord being reflected on Moses’ face after he met with him on Mount Sinai. Moses had just received the Ten Commandments (for the second time!) when he descended the mountain and returned to the people of Israel. (An interesting note in my study bible explains that the Hebrew word for “was radiant” is related to the Hebrew noun “horn”. This meaning was misunderstood by the translators of the Vulgate (early Latin bible) and thus, European medieval art often showed horns sprouting from Moses’ head! But I digress...) 

Paul references this passage in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. He compares the glory (radiance) of the Old Covenant (Law) with glory (radiance) of the New Covenant (Gospel). And, ultimately Paul encourages his readers to live with unveiled faces – “18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 

As I studied these passages, I wondered how often I reflect God’s “radiance” and how often I wear a veil. How often in my daily life do I show what God has done for me? Do I really get it? Or instead, do I wear a veil so I can fit in and keep my faith “private”. It has become more of a challenge to take off the veil in a culture that is more and more intolerant of Christianity, especially when it comes to truths that are not popular. And yet, that is exactly what we are called to do. We need to remove our veils and reflect God’s love for us by loving others, by sharing the truth in love, by being like Jesus. 

In Matthew 5:14-15 (Sermon on the Mount) Jesus talks about letting our light shine. I think it is a good way to conclude today’s post: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

TUESDAY - TRUTH In the midst of all the messages being heard, pray for accurate information to drown out false reporting and click-bait tactics.