A Glimpse Of Glory

The Glory of God: Encountering His Presence

Bible Passage: Ex 33:18–23

Summary: In this passage, Moses seeks a deeper revelation of God, desiring to see His glory.

God responds by assuring Moses that while he cannot behold His full glory and live,

He grants a partial view of His goodness, highlighting the tension between human longing for divine intimacy and the sacredness of God's nature.

Application: This sermon offers practical ways to pursue God's presence in our daily lives, encouraging the congregation to create space for God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. It reminds us that even if we cannot see God's fullness, we can experience His goodness and guidance.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that God is both approachable and transcendent. It invites listeners to recognize the significance of longing for God's presence and understanding that our encounters with Him are transformative, even if they are not complete revelations.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Jesus, who embodies the fullness of God's glory. Just as Moses was hidden in a cleft of the rock and seen only partially, Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, allowing us to encounter His glory more fully through faith and relationship.

Big Idea: Although we cannot fully comprehend God's glory, He invites us into a transformative relationship where we can experience His goodness and presence, shaping us into His likeness.

Recommended Study: In preparation, consider exploring the theological implications of God's glory and how it manifests throughout Scripture. You might find it helpful to utilize your Logos library to investigate the connections between this passage and New Testament revelations about Jesus as the manifestation of God’s glory. Look for studies on glory in the Old Testament to help frame Moses’ request in light of God's self-revelation and how that culminates in Christ.

1. Moses’ Bold Request

Ex 33:18-19

Perhaps, begin by highlighting Moses' daring request to see God's glory, which reveals a deep thirst for divine encounter. You could suggest that God’s response – proclaiming His goodness – teaches us that His presence is linked with His goodness.

10  Encouragement is not a technique to be mastered; it is a sensitivity to people and a confidence in God that must be nourished and demonstrated. Larry Crabb Encouragement: The Key to Caring (1984)

Larry Crabb

listeners to seek and cherish those moments in life where God’s goodness is undeniably felt, reminding them that this hunger for God is the start of a transformative journey.

2. Glory’s Hidden Protection

Ex 33:20-21

You might emphasize that God’s statement about not seeing His face reflects His transcendence and our human limitations. Nonetheless, God provides a place on the rock, promising a way to experience His presence safely. Consider suggesting that in Christ, the Rock, we can find our secure position for divine encounters. Perhaps explore how understanding our limitations should lead to deep gratitude for the access Jesus provides.

3. Glimpses of Glory

Ex 33:22-23

Maybe close by illustrating the significance of God covering Moses with His hand; it's a gesture of both protection and revelation. You could suggest that while we often see just a glimpse of God's broader narrative, these glimpses change us profoundly. Encourage focusing on these encounters, reminding that through Jesus’s life and teachings, we gain incomparable insights into God’s character and are continually transformed.