just enough of His glory
Hey friends!!
In Exodus 33, Moses is still on a journey of leading people out of Israel. Verses 12 through 23 share the story of Moses seeing the Lord’s glory. In verse 13, Moses questions the Lord in desperation, and the Lord answers Him will reassurance and a promise. “If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.’ The Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you.’” Exodus 33:13-14 This whole chapter is wonderful, but to sum it up briefly, later in verse 22, the Lord says He will hide Moses in the crevice of the rock as He passes by, because completely seeing the Lord’s glory would be far too great.
I can imagine that as the weight and pressure of the people around Moses contributes to his uncertainty, fear, and stress of their circumstances, his desperation to know what is coming next in their journey is so significant. The Lord is with Moses in that mystery of the future, promising to go before him and with him, and providing rest in Himself. In my personal & present day unknowns, I find temptation to succumb to fear, sadness, & fear of the uncertainty. Recently, one of my dearest friends endured a tragic accident. As I wait in desperation, along with her family and friends for more answers, I have rest in the Lord, knowing He is still working & still faithful.
What a comfort & peace to rest in the mystery of the unknown. I don’t need to know what tomorrow holds, He already holds tomorrow, with all the tenderness & power of His ways. It’s a strange place of waiting to simply see only parts of his glory and magnificent ways. I take comfort that we don’t have to know the full story. In our uncertainty, God gives us strength to endure this treacherous pilgrimage. It is a blessing and relief to not try to be in control of tomorrow or the unknowns. What a blessing to be called to cling to Christ, hiding in His refuge. We have a blessed opportunity to trust that the Lord will reveal more perspective or more glory when it is His timing and His will.
He is still writing our stories. He knows the uncertainties we carry. He knows the details of the future. And He walks with us in that, providing strength for our pilgrimages as we follow Him. This week, my pilgrimage holds this great grief, and next week, it may be something new. As believers, we are constantly encountering trials and pain. There is so much out of our control, but one of His great mercies for us is the ability to surrender our fears to Him, resting in His glorious ways.
So, as you go about your weeks, I leave you with the words to this thoughtful hymn, Rock of Ages…
Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law’s demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgement throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.”