Jesus’ Ministry
February 26, 2019
Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Why were the people afraid of Moses when they saw his face shining? Was it simply fear of the unknown? Aware that he had climbed the mountain to seek God, perhaps they understood this change in Moses’ countenance indicated he had had an encounter with God. Was the people’s fear from seeing Moses’ face an extension of a fear of God?
How do people perceive us when the conversation turns to our faith? Do they sense some presence of God in us? Do we send forth a vibe that welcomes people as we share our faith with others? Or do we turn them away with our approach? How do we see ourselves clearly so that we can understand how our countenance might impact another person?
I once had a friend tell me that she wanted me to add the words “in my opinion” when I shared my ideas about something because when I spoke my countenance was so strong, I sounded like I was quoting from the Bible. She was right. I can speak forcefully when I feel strongly about what I am discussing, and I feel strongly about many subjects. I did not add “in my opinion” very often after receiving her advice but I did on occasion, when I realized I was pontificating a bit strongly, end my comments with something like” that was 1 Marilynn 1:1.”
Moses probably was unaware of how he appeared, but he was able to quiet their fears calling them to him and even wearing a veil to make them more comfortable. Our job is to spread the love of God through Christ Jesus. We must take whatever steps are necessary to make our communication of that love accessible.
Prayer: Lord, make us aware of how others may perceive us so we can adjust as needed to make the encounter more comfortable. Amen.