Exodus 33:18, Exodus 34:5-8, Isaiah 42:9

Scott McKeown

'Moses said, "Please show me Your glory."' Exodus 33:18

Seven words; a simple plea and an amazing response from God (Exodus 34:5-8).

I love looking back to this passage; Moses, the man who walked and met with God in an amazing way....God descending in a cloud and Moses' face shining as a result of being in the presence of the Lord! Amazing!!!!

How I have longed to have lived in those days, to be counted amongst the Israelites on their epic God-delivering passage to the promised land.

Yet I was recently rebuked by God for pining after days gone by, almost wanting to exchange my time here and now for a time which has been. Have you ever done this? God has reminded me of a few things which I hope will encourage you today.

The Bible is not just a history book or a collection of great true stories. Nor is it simply His telling us what He has done and what He's going to do, although it is all these amazing things and more. The Bible is fundamentally the One True God's revelation of Himself to us through His son, Jesus Christ. Everything in the Bible foreshadows, points to, directs us to and centres upon Jesus!

So what did God gently remind me of through this passage? I learnt that....

• The deliverance of the Israelites from slavery


• Their journey under the guidance and in the presence of God into the promised land


• Their witness to the Glory of God

Are all important for one reason.....All of this epic story foreshadows our journey today!!

How?

As believers and faith followers of Jesus Christ we have....

• Been delivered from the slavery of sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Our Servant King paid the price for our release! And like Pharoah, the power of sin (death) is defeated forever!!!


• Entered into a life long journey with Jesus towards the eternal land He has promised.....it's called Heaven!


• An amazing privilege and opportunity to witness to the world around us for Jesus whilst on our journey!

Isaiah 42:9 says:

'Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them'.

I had to ask myself, 'Why pine after the past when God has new things for me today, for you today?'

Perhaps you are reading this and you know in your heart that this Jesus, and the deliverance and freedom He offers isn't real in your life. I encourage you, I implore you, to start your journey with Jesus today! Ask Him to set you free! Then come join us as we trust Jesus to lead us on to greater things.

So, brothers and sisters in Jesus, may you go forth today in the knowledge that God's glory is within you, that you are counted amongst His people! May your whole being shine with the presence of God as we journey through this life and witness to a world that is much in need of Jesus.