Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to our gathering today. Isn't it a blessing to be here, in the house of the Lord, surrounded by fellow believers, ready to immerse ourselves in the profound and beautiful Word of God? We are indeed privileged to have this time together, to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the Word.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a fascinating passage in the book of Exodus, chapter 33, verse 18. A passage that speaks to us about the glory of God, and how one man, Moses, longed to experience it in its fullness. The verse reads as follows: "Then Moses said, 'Now show me your glory.'"

Isn't that a cry that resonates within each of us? That desire, that longing, to see the glory of God in our lives? We, like Moses, yearn to see God's glory, to know Him more, to experience His presence in our lives.

Renowned theologian J.I. Packer once said, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." Isn't that the truth? When we, like Moses, make it our main business to know God and see His glory, our perspective shifts, our priorities align, and our problems find their place.

Today, we will look at Moses' magnificent longing for God's glory, how that glory was manifested in his life, and how he serves as a model for us in reflecting God's glory.

But before we embark on this, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, for the truth it reveals and the transformation it brings. As we study this passage today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand and receive what You have for us. May we, like Moses, long to see Your glory in our lives. And may that longing shape us, transform us, and lead us to live lives that reflect Your glory to the world around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let us turn our attention to the remarkable life of Moses and his longing for God's glory...

Moses' Magnificent Longing for God's Glory

In the heart of Moses, there was a deep yearning. A yearning that was not for the riches of Egypt, nor for the comforts of a palace, but for something far greater. Moses longed to see the glory of God. This was not a fleeting desire or a passing whim. It was a magnificent longing that consumed him, a longing that was at the very core of his being.

This longing was born out of a deep love for God and a desire to know Him more intimately. Moses had experienced God's power and faithfulness in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He had seen God's might in parting the Red Sea and providing manna from heaven. But he wanted more. He wanted to see God's glory.

This longing was not satisfied with mere glimpses of God's glory. Moses had already seen God's glory in the burning bush, in the pillar of cloud and fire, and on Mount Sinai. But he was not content with these. He wanted to see God's glory in its fullness. He wanted to see God as He truly is, in all His majesty and splendor.

This longing was also not a selfish desire. Moses did not want to see God's glory for his own sake. He wanted to see it so that he could better lead the people of Israel. He knew that seeing God's glory would give him the wisdom, the strength, and the courage he needed to guide God's people.

Amid this longing, Moses made a bold request. He asked God to show him His glory! This was a daring, audacious request. Moses was asking to see the very essence of God, the fullness of His divine nature. He was asking to see something that no human being had ever seen before.

God responded to Moses' request with grace and mercy. He told Moses that he could not see His face, for no one could see Him and live. But He promised to make all His goodness pass before Moses and to proclaim His name in his presence. God fulfilled this promise, revealing His glory to Moses in a unique and powerful way.

This encounter with God's glory had a profound impact on Moses. It transformed him, changing him from the inside out. When he came down from Mount Sinai, his face was radiant because he had been talking with God. This was a visible sign of the internal transformation that had taken place in Moses. His longing to see God's glory had led him to a deeper understanding of God's character and a closer relationship with Him.

This longing also had a profound impact on the people of Israel. When they saw the radiant face of Moses, they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called them and shared with them what he had heard from God. His longing to see God's glory had not only transformed him, but it also brought the people of Israel closer to God.

Application questions. As we reflect on the life of Moses and his longing to see God's glory, let us ask ourselves: Do we share this longing? Do we yearn to see God's glory in our lives? Do we seek to know God more intimately and to see His glory in its fullness? And are we willing to let this longing transform us and impact those around us?

Manifestation of God's Glory in Moses' Life

As we continue our examination of Moses' life, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in his journey ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO