Chapter 80 of 1163

EXODUS 33

EXODUS 33

EXODUS 33

God’s friendship. The tabernacle had not yet been built, so the structure referred to here was probably a tent where Moses met with God and over which the cloud rested. God spoke to Moses as with a friend because Moses obeyed God (Deut. 34:10; John 15:14–16). God could not dwell with a rebellious people, but He could fellowship with Moses (2 Cor. 6:14–18).

God’s presence. The Jews watched things happen, but Moses made things happen. He knew God’s ways (Ps. 103:7) and prayed for God’s presence to go with them. Moses could not pray on the basis of Israel’s obedience to the Law, but he could plead the grace of God. Believers today are sure of God’s presence because He has promised to stay with us (Heb. 13:5–6).

God’s glory. Many believers pray, “Show me Your way,” but not many pray, “Show me Your glory.” No man can see God in His fullness and live, but God can reveal some of His glory. He did that for Moses “in the secret place of the Most High” (Ps. 91:1–4). Our experience of glory today is explained in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

God’s Glory

The glory of God is the manifestation of all His attributes and character, all that He is and says and does. Everything about God is glorious, and the highest activity of man is to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31). All who trust Christ share His glory today and will see His glory in heaven (John 17:22–24).

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