The LORD said, "I will go with you, and I will give you victory."

Moses replied, "If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth."

The LORD said to Moses, "I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you."

Then Moses requested, "Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence."

The LORD answered, "I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive, but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face."

Exodus 33:14-23

God is so arrayed in splendor, so pure in His goodness, and so beautiful in His character that our sin-darkened eyes cannot bear to look on Him. We cannot endure His glory. The awesome splendor, goodness and beauty of God reveals the defects in us.

Thank you God for being so loving and merciful. Thank you for making us holy and acceptable to You through Christ.

God's awesome presence is both convicting and comforting.

Our Daily Bread - May 10, 2003