The Manifestation of His Presence

Moses sought God for a continual manifestation of his presence: “Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in your sight, show me now your way, that I may know you and that I may find grace in your sight…” (Exodus 33:13, NKJV). And God answered him, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).

Moses’s request would be quite enough for most believers. We all want the presence of God leading us, guiding us, empowering us, blessing us. Really, what more could any believer desire? Yet having the assurance of God’s presence was not enough for Moses. He knew there was more, and he cried out, “Please, show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18).

God did show Moses his glory, but it did not only appear in some luminous cloud or in an earthshaking demonstration of power. No, God expressed his true glory in a simple revelation of his nature: “And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…’” (Exodus 34:6-7). God’s glory was a revelation of his goodness, mercy, love, and compassion.

I have heard many Christians say, “Oh, how the glory of God came down in our church last night! There was such incredible praise, and people were slain by the Spirit.” That isn’t proof of a manifestation of God’s glory. It has nothing to do with God beyond human emotions. It doesn’t include a revelation of who he is.

Some may argue, “But what about the disciples’ experience on the Mount of Transfiguration? Wasn’t that a manifestation of God’s glory? There was an overpowering light and the miraculous appearance of Moses and Elijah.”

God’s glory was not in Moses or Elijah or in the spectacular light. Rather, his glory was in Jesus. Indeed, Jesus is the fulfillment of all God said he was to Moses: gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sins. Now the Lord is saying, “Here is a living picture of my glory. It is all embodied in my Son!”