One of the things that Christians like to ask is to see GOD’s glory. There are countless seminars and conventions on this. I have attended a few in the past. However, today, I cannot help but notice that what people expect and imagine when they pray this prayer probably has nothing to do with what the glory of GOD truly is. Indeed, the Bible says in 1Kings 8 that when GOD’s glory fell down, even the priest could not remain in the temple to serve: they all had to leave (vs. 11). In Deuteronomy 5, it came as darkness, a mountain burning with fire and a voice coming out of the midst thereof and the people were so afraid to die that they begged Moses to be excused (vs.23-27). In Revelation 21:23, it is a light which is brighter than the moon and the sun. We can’t even look directly at the sun when it is in the zenith, but we want to see GOD’s glory? Hmm…
We usually pray like that because we want to imitate Moses; but we forget (or ignore) the necessary preliminary steps he took before GOD could grant his request. Indeed, he told the LORD: “If I have found favour in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favour in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." And GOD replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." And Moses said to Him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favour in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name." Moses said, "Please show me your glory."” Ex 33:12-18
In other words, Moses requested three things:
1) Show me your way: This was also David’s prayer (Ps 25:4). However, people are usually not interested in knowing His ways; they just want to see His deeds (Ps 103:7). They don’t want to know how to make a car or a computer; but just want the finished product. They don’t want to learn to cook; they just want to enjoy the meal that someone else has laboured to prepare. This is what the children of Israel said to Moses in Deut 5: ‘Staying here is too difficult; it will kill us. You, stay. Find out how it works and then, come and tell us.’ People demand to see GOD’s glory, but they don’t want to prayerfully study and understand the Scriptures. They’d rather listen to preachers with bizarre motives teach them rubbish…
2) Let your presence be with me all the way. ‘Be with me as I walk on the very way that you have shown me. I’d rather stay where I am certain You are, rather than venture into places without you by my side.’ It is one thing to know GOD’s ways and it is another thing to desire and accept to follow them. People want to see His glory whilst they are not ready to die to self and forsake their plans B, C and D to follow the LORD’s one and only plan A.
3) Show me Your glory, even as I walk in Your ways. This is the outcome of the first two steps and you cannot take a shortcut. It is because he had done the rest and GOD was pleased with him, that Moses could now ask to see His glory. In fact, if GOD’s glory was really to come in our gatherings the (foolish) way we sometimes beg for it, many Christians would die on the spot; because of them, GOD has to wait until they grow and sanctify themselves. Moreover, when GOD granted Moses request, fire did not fall from heaven and nothing supernatural happened – the sort of things that glory-askers usually hope to see. The LORD instead caused all His goodness to pass before Moses and proclaimed His name before him; then He added enigmatically that He is gracious to whom He will be gracious, and shows mercy on whom He will show mercy.
Please take time to ponder over these things. GOD’s willing, I will touch on the implications and meaning of His answer to Moses next week. GOD bless you.
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