Written By Lesallan – September 17, 2024
Devotional: Experiencing God’s Glory
In Exodus 33:18 (NIV), Moses expresses his deep desire to see Yahweh’s “glory.” The passage in Exodus 34:5-8 (NIV) reveals what Moses witnessed when the Lord passed by him. This moment is a profound portrayal of God’s unwavering character, a recurring theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament. It is through this perspective that the Israelites encountered God’s glory. Notice the contrast in verse seven between “showing love to a thousand generations” and “visiting the iniquity of the parents on their children and their children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” This comparison highlights God’s equilibrium of love and justice. Are we at ease with a God who is holy and demands accountability? Often, we seek the blessings of the first part of verse seven, but grapple with the implications of the second part. Yet have we contemplated what God would be like if He did not embody both aspects?
The recurring theme in the Old Testament challenges the misconception that the God of the Old Testament is only a deity of wrath, while the God of the New Testament is only a deity of grace. This passage helps us recognize the consistency of God’s character as both just and merciful throughout the entire Bible. When we compare Exodus 34:7b with Ezekiel 18:19-20 (NIV), we notice that Ezekiel emphasizes individual responsibility for sin, while Exodus speaks of consequences spanning generations. By considering the broader context of Ezekiel 18 (NIV), which emphasizes personal accountability and the opportunity for repentance and forgiveness, we can reconcile these passages. Reflecting on each quality described in Exodus 34:5-8 (NIV) – God’s compassion, grace, patience, abounding love, abounding faithfulness, forgiveness, and holiness – we can see how God has revealed these attributes in our lives. Specific instances where we have experienced His compassion, grace, and faithfulness can help us appreciate the depth of His character.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for revealing Your glory to us through Your unwavering character. Grant us the ability to fully accept both Your love and Your justice. May we witness Your compassion, grace, patience, overflowing love, faithfulness, forgiveness, and holiness in our daily lives. Direct us to conduct ourselves in a manner that mirrors Your character to those around us. We ask for these blessings in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In Christ,
Lesallan
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