Exodus 33:18-23

¹⁸ Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” ¹⁹ And he said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will show grace to whom I will show grace, and will show mercy to whom I will show mercy. ²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for a man should not see me and live.” ²¹ And the LORD said, “See, there is a place by me where you should stand on the rock, ²² and while my glory passes by I will put you in a crevice of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will take away my hand, and you should see my back, but my face should not be seen.”

wanting more

Moses and some of the Israelite elders had already seen God from a distance.[1] But no one had ever seen God face to face. Since Moses was now privy to one-on-one time with God as a mediator for the Israelites, he enjoyed fellowship with his almighty creator. Anyone who has ever experienced this naturally wants more. So, Moses boldly asked for a glimpse of the LORD’s cheeks.

But (as is his privilege) the LORD said no. The LORD had a plan to make his presence known through the visible entrance of his only Son.[2] Until then, his people will have to settle with other ways of him revealing himself to them:

1. He will display his goodness.
2. He will proclaim his name.
3. He will show grace (unmerited love) to some.
4. He will manifest mercy (unmerited forgiveness) to some.

So, Moses did not get his prayer answered directly that day. Instead, the LORD arranged a glimpse under controlled conditions. It was a taste of what is to come. Moses would have to be content to see a poor reflection of his God.[3] One day all Israel would see him face to face. One day we will too.

LORD, we accept the temporary limits you set for our relationship with you. But we, like Moses, long to see you face to face.

[1] Exodus 24:10.

[2] John 1:18.

[3] 1 Corinthians 13:12.