By: Darlene Winans
In meetings with the board of IWM late in 2024, we collectively declared the
theme for the year 2025: “Behold His Glory.” I began to study the book of Exodus,
particularly chapter 33:18, where Moses asks the Lord, “Now show me your
glory.”
It’s important to recognize that Moses did not ask this question immediately. He
didn’t bow his head in prayer and right away ask to see the glory of God. The
Word says he did several things before asking such a question. In verse 7: “Now
Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away,
calling it the ‘tent of meeting’.”
To seek God’s glory, you must first pitch your tent away from others. Get away for
a while. Retreat. Spend time alone with God. This is the space where His glory is
revealed.
Second, note that the scripture says Moses “used to” do this. This implies a
habitual practice. We need to make retreating and getting alone with God a
rhythmic, or consistent practice.
Next, note verse 11 (a):“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
The third point is to realize that the Lord wants to speak with you, as one speaks
to a friend. What an amazing relationship we have with the Lord, when we walk
with Him! The Israelites of the camp would stand at the entrance to their tents
when they saw Moses going to the tent of meeting, and when the cloud
descended upon the tent of meeting (indicating the glory and presence of the
Lord had come down), they would stand and worship! When God reveals Himself
to you, don’t forget to thank Him and worship!
Exodus 33:11 (b):
“Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of
Nun did not leave the tent.”
Finally, and most importantly, we see that young Joshua (who would eventually
lead his people after Moses) remained in the tent. Even after Moses left the tent
of meeting, Joshua stayed there. Joshua remained in the presence of the Lord.
Joshua wanted more.
My final point is that once you are in the glory and presence of the Lord, don’t
leave too quickly. Linger there. Remain in His presence. Cultivate that relationship
with the Lord, as you continue to talk to Him face to face, as one would with a
friend. After all, He is a Friend like no other!
As we seek the Lord in 2025, seek His glory. Ask the Lord what He would have you
do, once you’ve talked to Him face to face. Take action. May His glory impact our
lives and the lives of others in the new year. Amen!
