It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. (Exodus 34:29 NAS95)
Transformation results when we truly meet with God. Moses went up on the mountain, and when he returned, his face shined. Moses had intervened on behalf of Israel and then God invited him once again to commune and converse over the birth of a nation. Moses went to receive the law, but while present to God, things changed. Moses heard God’s desires for Israel, and understood He wanted the best for their society. Moses did not anticipate that just by meeting with God he’d be transformed. The change occurred apart from Moses’s awareness. But the people noticed and didn’t know how to take it. The difference: Moses more proximately reflected the love, character and desires of God.
No one can stand in the presence of God and remain the same. God works subtly but silently within our hearts as we engage Him over His Word and in conversation. Slowly, over time and with regular interaction with Him, He transforms our interior to reflect His life. Like Moses, the change may not be obvious to us, but others may notice. In the wake of this transformation, we grow more convinced of God’s goodness and understand His heart to fill us with His life. Our hunger for Him grows and we see His good purposes for us in Christ. Moments of meeting with God prosper into a transformed life and foster a desire within us to invite others along on the journey with Jesus.
For Reflection:
“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalms 23:3 NAS95)
- What do you experience when you meet with God and converse with Him?
- As you reflect over the past number of months of interaction and conversation with God what changes do you notice?
