Exodus 34:29-35 (NRSV)
Read Exodus 34:29-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 29Moses 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. Verse 30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. Verse 31But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Verse 32Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. Verse 33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; Verse 34but 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, Verse 35the 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.
Devotion
The glory of God shone brightly on Moses' face. Not only did spending time in the Lord's presence transform Moses' outward appearance, but it may have transformed him within as well. A hint of this transformation appears in verses 32-35 in the reference to Moses veiling his face. Perhaps his covering of his face was a sign of his humility illuminated by God's steadfast love and faithfulness. Moses sought no attention except to receive God's instructions and deliver them.
Spending sacred time alone with the Lord in prayer, scripture reading, and meditation helps us release our fears and entrust our lives to a merciful and gracious God. The source of our transformation is God at work in us. The transformation of Moses' face culminated in the epiphany of God's love for all generations. May we too shine God's covenant love for all and glorify our Father in heaven.
Prayer
God of light and love, transform our hearts and minds to shine your steadfast love and faithfulness to everyone we encounter. Amen.