By Grace, We Will Do the Impossible

There is a well-known story in the Old Testament Book of Exodus. Moses has made a remarkably bold request of Jehovah God—“Please show me your glory.” (Exodus 33:18).

“Glory” is a somewhat abstract term, one of those “churchy” words that can be hard to grasp. But the full meaning and scope of Moses’ request quickly become apparent a couple of verses later as God responds to Moses, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (verse 20).

You’ve read those words and heard them preached but meditate on them for a moment. Try and feel the weight of the words spoken by God to His servant—“To see me would kill you.”

Now consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

We know these familiar words as the sixth of the beatitudes as spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s a lovely sentiment. But can Jesus really overrule the decree of Jehovah? No one can see God and live.

The answer, of course, is found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Our sin had separated us from an infinitely holy God—and, in fact, made us God’s enemies. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, reconciled us to God. Former enemies have been adopted as sons and daughters through faith in the blood of Jesus and have God as their Father, a Father whose face they will one day see.

By grace, the impossible is possible. We will see God face to face.

Reflective Questions

1. Has my heart been made pure by faith in Jesus Christ?
2. Am I confident of a forever home in heaven, in the very presence of God?
3. How might I see Him even now? What places might I look for Him every day?

Memory Verse

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 NKJV

Prayer

Dear God, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to see and know any area that is not pure and give me the strength to turn from it and focus completely on You.

Related Scriptures

Exodus 33:18–20; I Corinthians 13:12; Job 19:26; Psalm 24:4; Psalm 51:10; Hebrews 12:14; I John 3:2; Revelation 22:4