By Authrine Dryden
19 The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh,[c] before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”
Exodus 33:19-21 (NLT)
“Dad. This is absolutely awesome!” shouted the young boy. The players were now coming out of the tunnel, ready to start the football match. Messi, his favourite player – his hero – was playing. “Wow, Dad, can you believe it? Here I am – and there he is! It’s Messi! Awesome! This is a dream come true!” He continued excitedly.
How amazing to be in the presence of God! Moses and God shared such a close friendship that allowed him to have an encounter like no other. As friends desire to know each closer, Moses likewise grew in a desire to know more about God. Although he enjoyed regular audiences with God, there was something more He desired. This led to an even closer encounter of the divine kind – what an awesome experience!
As Moses grew in his desire to know God, so spending time with God should develop our own desire for more intimacy with Him. This is essential for us to experience more of His power and His character as well as our lives being shaped to be more like Him.
The truth is there is in each and everyone of us a natural inclination – a desire – a longing that only the Creator, God, can satisfy. Tragically we can too easily look to fulfil that desire with anything and everything except God. We draw on desires that ultimately leave us empty. This is a sure indication of our need for God in our lives.
There is no journey without Him. Our every waking moment and thought should be centred around Him. He is even greater to us than Messi is for the young boy experiencing a football game for the very first time. Consider again the boy and his emotions, his excitement and zeal – they are infectious. If that’s just over a football game, how much more should we be excited over ongoing glorious encounters with our Heavenly Father – the Creator of the Universe? Through faith in Jesus Christ we are granted free access by His Spirit to truly experience these encounters. Just imagine that!
Ask – Why was Moses chosen to have an encounter with God?
Seek – Have you ever had a glorious encounter with God?
Knock – Seek to experience the glory of God on our journey.
(Upper Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash)
