Monday, July 4, 2011 - Visual Learners

"Glory in His Holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." 

Psalm 105:3

Michelangelo's Moses features two
horns, commonly used as symbols
of power in medieval art, but also
a likely result of the Latin Vulgate
translation of the Bible popular
during the artist's lifetime. This
version said Moses' face was "horned"
rather than "shining" after Moses
glimpsed God's Glory.

     Like Moses, I believe "a picture paints a thousand words." When Moses asked, "Show me Your Glory," God gave him a passing glimpse from a well-protected distance. He knew how much Moses could handle visually and how much would kill him, or at least disable him. (Personally, I wonder if we lack post-resurrection Lazarus quotes because the man speechless after his glimpse of the other side.)

"I will cause all My Goodness to pass in front of you,
and I will proclaim My Name, the LORD, in your presence.  

I  will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, 

and I will have compassion
on whom I will have compassion." 

Exodus 33:19

Kind of flies in our faces when we think we've seen it all and know it all from a spiritual standpoint, doesn't it? 

* "Oh, I've taught Sunday School for a hundred years." (Does that mean we've seen God's Glory and plead with Him to reveal His glory to us and our class members?) 

* "I'm a deacon." (But, do you yearn for God to reveal His glory to you and your fellow deacons?)

* "I'm a member of a growing church with a lot to offer people." (In all the bustle and activity, do we beg God to reveal His Glory to us and to anyone who walks through any door in the church, not just the worship center?)
* "I've been a believer for a long time." (Do we ask God to reveal His Glory in our own hearts and minds? Do people see His Power and His Glory in us and on us?)

     Moses asked and God granted the glimpse that empowered Moses to re-do the tablets he had broken in a fit of temper. There's hope for this day! God's Graced doesn't allow Him to reserve glimpses of His Glory for perfect people. He offers access to all who pursue His Presence and company through Jesus Christ.  

". . .through Whom (our Lord Jesus Christ, v. 1) we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God." 

Romans 5:2

"Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, 

according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church."

Ephesians 3:20-21

Father, show us Your Glory today. Sunrises and sunsets are great, but we long to see Your Glory in ways that will change our lives and Your church. Make us strong and courageous when it comes to seeking You. Remove our doubts and help our unbelief. Guide us to release every ounce of control and let You reveal to us what we can handle. Strengthen us to obey You in the next step. Guide our minds to embrace what we can't understand about You. Stun us and imprint Your Glory on our hearts and faces.

In the Name of Jesus Who died to open the door to Your Glory for sinners like me
Inspired by Live Loved by Max Lucado
photo from Google images