Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than outselves could restore use to sanity.

February 7

Scripture reading for today: Exodus 34

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 2 Corinthians 3:12-13 NIV

What a strange story! At first, Moses doesn’t realize that time with God has actually given him a radiance that is so glorious it is frightening. After he gets it, he begins this strange ritual of taking on and tearing off the veil. I’m not sure what to think of this story as I read through Exodus 34. Does he do this because he doesn’t want to startle his people? Is he humbled by the experience, and afraid that someone will confuse bestowed glory (a gift from God) with intrinsic glory (something Moses can take credit for)? What’s up with Moses?

The writer of 2 Corinthians says that it’s all about pride. Drawing near to God and being given the gift of glory is contingent upon continual, close contact with God Himself. Evidently, Moses’ glow is like a facial or botox – you look great for awhile, but eventually the real wrinkly you always reappears.

Moses liked the glow, and intended to keep the appearance of the glow up for as long as possible. This is a danger of the “coming to believe” process. “Coming to believe” is a glorious experience, and we often find ourselves – quite surprisingly at first – with a real glorious glow after a close encounter with Holy God.

But let’s not get confused. “Coming to believe” isn’t a once and done experience. It’s a process. It’s a choice. It’s a decision.

Thought for today: I think Moses’ desire to hide the fading of the glow is something we can all relate to. Our moments of clarity, our jolts of joy, are all great experiences that we love to share. I’m trying to remember Moses. The glow wore off, and the wrinkles were revealed – so what? Moses was still Moses; He was still treasured by God. I’m thankful that I have an opportunity to learn from Moses. “Coming to believe” isn’t about continual botox – it’s also about being honest about who we are – and learning to trust God with the outcome.

Thought for tomorrow:

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 16-18 NLT

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV

We are a people of extremes: we believe we can do anything or we doubt we can do a single thing. The truth is, we can do only those things that God has purposed to do in and through and with us. Our part is to surrender to the truth of that, and allow Him to have His way with us.

February 7
Teresa McBean

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