The passage from Exodus 32-34 is so rich with insights into the person and character of God that we could spend weeks on just three chapters. But I direct your attention to a prayer/conversation between God and Moses in Exodus 33:12-23 as Moses prays fervently for Israel’s protection and for God to forgive them. And once God grants forgiveness and restoration, Moses throws in an additional request: “Let me see your glory!”
Wow! What nerve! What gall! What chutzpah! And God loves it!!! Granted, in order not to kill Moses with His overwhelming holiness, He only grants Moses a sliver of His glory. But what a prayer! It is a reminder to not stop asking for big, potent exposures to God’s presence. Israel had been willing to settle for a golden calf—something you might find in a tacky furniture store—compared to the glory of God. And it seems they were content to pray inane, useless prayers to it.
But Moses gives us so much more in his example! You want a nice, portable deity that looks like a “Dirty Santa” gift? Then pray wimpy, flimsy prayers that are filled with trite expressions and clichés that say nothing and ask for nothing. But, if you want to start experiencing a God with a face, then pray big, bold prayers that engage Him and His priorities and just see what happens!! Show us Your glory!!
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