students of jesus

Here is the difference between God and men: Moses asked God, “Show me your glory.” God answered by revealing his goodness.

It takes a bit of digging, but you can find Moses’ question in Exodus 33. It’s an amazing chapter if you know the context. God has rescued the people of Israel from Egypt: plagues, wonders, the parting of the Red Sea—even a pillar of fire and a glowing cloud of protection. These children of Israel responded by molding a calf from melted gold, and giving the calf credit for their freedom. Together, in the shade of Mount Horeb, God and Moses sit together and try to decide what to do.

God wants to check out. He will send an angel to help Moses finish the mission and keep his promises, even though Israel is like a spoiled child. Moses wants no part of this solution. Neither Moses nor God want to be identified with this people. Finally, Moses takes a stand:

“If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” God relents because he likes Moses, and Moses presses once more:

“Now show me your glory.”

God’s answer is yes, but a curious yes: “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, Yahweh, in your presence.” (The advanced Student of Jesus will peek ahead into Exodus 34, where God not only proclaims his name before Moses, but also explains what it means.)

God always answers the question you should have asked. Moses wanted to see glory; God wanted him to know goodness. Ever since, we have been missing God’s point. We are looking for the big show; God is looking for the big heart. We think it’s about having God on our side, God knows it’s about having him inside our heart. It matters not that our hearts are small, if we will but welcome him, God will renovate us from the foundation up.

The lessons, the experiences, and even the glory of Mount Horeb await us still.