See His Glory

The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. (Exodus 33:11 NKJV)

Moses makes a request of God. “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18 NCV). “Show me your radiance,” Moses is praying. “Flex your biceps. Let me see the S on your chest. Your preeminence. Your heart-stopping, ground-shaking extra-spectacularness.”

Why did Moses want to see God’s greatness?

Ask yourself a similar question. Why do you stare at sunsets and ponder the summer night sky? Why do you search for a rainbow in the mist or gaze at the Grand Canyon? How do you explain your fascination with such sights?

Beauty? Yes. But doesn’t the beauty point to a beautiful Someone? Doesn’t the immensity of the ocean suggest an immense Creator? Doesn’t the rhythm of migrating cranes and beluga whales hint of a brilliant mind? And isn’t that what we desire? A beautiful Maker? An immense Creator? A God so mighty that He can commission the birds and command the fish?

“Show me Your glory, God,” Moses begs.

We cross a line when we make such a request. When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God Himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about Him.

One glance at the skies—night or day—reveals the heart-stopping, extra-spectacularness of God. His might is immeasurable and infinite. Doubt and fear would say we are nothing in the midst of such immensity and power. God says, You are seen and you are Mine. So if you ever feel afraid of being lost in the enormity of it all, remember this:

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:3–5)

God’s Promise to Me: God is infinite and all-powerful. He is also personal. He sees, knows, and loves me.