Daily Thought

Moses was with the Lord in the mountain for forty days and forty nights. The number ‘forty’ in scripture is very significant, and of its eight main occurrences, this is the second. It usually indicates trial, or probation, or renewed rule. During these forty days Moses ate nothing, neither did he drink, which is quite remarkable, and at this time God wrote His law on the two replacement stones.

When Moses came down from the mountain his face shone. This phenomenon was the result of time spent in the presence of the Lord. Even for us today, communion with Him means that while we see His glory, so too will His glory be seen in us. The more time given to prayer and meditation, the more like the Lord Jesus we become. Yet, we must not allow such heavenly experience to spoil us by becoming proud. Moses was unaware that his face was shining. Spiritual men and women do not get carried away with a sense of their own importance but are often surprised when others see in them the character of the Lord.

The glory shining from Moses’ face was of such intensity that the people could not look on him. It was necessary for him to cover his face with a veil. There was, of course, no need for the veil when he was speaking with God. Paul, in 2 Corinthians chapter 3, points out that another reason for the wearing of the veil was to conceal from the people the fact that the glory was gradually, yet perceptibly fading, whereas the glories of the Lord Jesus and of the new covenant never fade.

In order to be able to display the glories of the Lord consistently we must be focused and consistent in our prayer life. Only constant renewal will keep us close to Him and able to represent Him here on earth. There is no sadder sight than that of fading glory, where better days and happier times are remembered.

We, therefore, ought to continue in prayer and not allow ourselves to be deflected from it even by the legitimate things of life. That His glory should be seen in us is a great privilege and will have the effect of encouraging others to follow our example, thus to enjoy His glory and to persevere in prayer. Prayer will keep us humble and fit us better to deal with all aspects of life.