Chiselers

Chapter 34

It’s about us after all. But in a manner of reflection. Moses wasn’t aware that he was all lit up (verse 29). It was, of course, reflected glory that caused his face to glow. That’s this whole saga in one picture: God at the centre, the people as his image (recall Genesis 1:27) . One sense of image is a reflection, as in a mirror or when you look down into a pool of water. Only the reflection is never perfect. It can’t be. The full power and goodness of the original would be too great anyway. There is a mediator, but lately we’ve seen more and more that the role of the people is not so passive, as it was, say, in the crossing of the sea. The people supplied the oil to burn in the tabernacle (27:30). The people offer their own repentance along with Moses pleading for them (chapter 33). Now this chapter has started off with Moses - representing the people to God as well as God to the people – supplying, with some labour, the replacement stone tablets for God to write on. I love that picture. How about making it God autographing your heart with his will for you, no matter how you may have messed up in the past (golden calf, chapter 32).

Prayer:
Let me not forget the point, Lord: In order to mediate your glory to others, it’s not what I give them, but what I offer to you for you to work with. Through Christ. Amen.