S38P5 – God’s miraculous power for today: Moses’ Face
Exodus 34:29-31
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face was shining because he had been speaking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to approach him. But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him; and he spoke to them.
More than twenty years after graduation, I am fortunate enough to still remain in touch with some people from high school. It is fascinating to see how each of us has changed so much as a result of what we have experienced these many years in life. Sometimes I hear stories of others I have not seen since then, and I simply cannot believe how different they have turned out. I am sure that they might look at me and think the same thing. These changes have occurred over many years although some of us have been shaped by momentary occurrences in our lives. We can be formed by our relationships or by mere one-time encounters with others. The important thing is that these changes are perceptible to others. Like the obvious change to Moses after encountering God, it should be obvious how we have changed after our encounters with him as well.
I recall having a conversation with my mother shortly after getting saved. God had impressed upon me that perhaps I could have treated my parents much better than I had. It was completely out of the ordinary for me, but I felt as if I should apologize for this shortcoming. Interestingly enough, I did not feel uncomfortable during this conversation. I simply said what God put on my heart because I knew that it was what she needed to hear from me. Her response was the same way she responded to many changes in me after getting saved. She jokingly asked me who I was and what I had with her son. To this day, she mentions how different I am after having accepted Jesus Christ. Though this may not have been a physical change as Moses experienced, it certainly has been a discernible change in me. This is what happens when we encounter God.
When we accept Jesus into our hearts and invite the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are totally changed. Sometimes the change is instant and drastic, and other times the change is slower to reveal itself. However, if we are truly reborn and made new, this will be noticed. Our faces maybe the same, but perhaps we smile a little more. Maybe we walk the same, or maybe we have a little more pep in our step. Some people who have lived a very sheltered life become courageous and adventurous after their encounter with Jesus Christ. From our actions to our words to our attitudes, our joining the fellowship should cause people to take a step back and do a double-take. Our newness should be on display for everyone to see, and it should remain hidden from no one. Father, thank You for changing us, and keep us from being afraid to let that change show.