Episode 2519 - Lesson 12 - Tuesday Sep. 16: "Please, show me your glory"

"Please, Show Me Your Glory"After the golden calf apostasy, Moses interceded for God’s people and wanted to be assured that the Lord would continue leading them to the Promised Land. Deep down within his being, he also wanted to know the Lord better.Read Exodus 33:18-23. How did God answer Moses’ request to see His glory?"Please, show me your glory," Moses asked the Lord. In His mercy, the Lord did reveal His glory to him. However, when answering Moses’ request, God promised to show him His "goodness." One can safely conclude that God’s glory is His goodness, that is, His character (see also Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 576; Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 414, 415; Prophets and Kings, p. 313)."It is the glory of God to give His virtue to His children. He desires to see men and women reaching the highest standard."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 530. His glory is to embrace repentant sinners (see Prophets and Kings, p. 668) and supply everything needed to change them. At the same time, it is our "glory" to reveal His character in our own lives and to make it known to others.This reflection of God’s character, His goodness, kindness, and tender love, must be seen in our actions. This way, we have a chance to be not only a blessing to the world but a shining light to the onlooking universe. As Paul states: "For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings" (1 Cor. 4:9, NIV). This cosmic dimension gives to our lives and service a meaning and purpose that we can barely begin to imagine.In Romans 2:4, Paul says that "the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (NKJV). That is, it is God’s goodness and character pointed out by the Holy Spirit that convince people of their sinfulness and need of salvation. Indeed, when we look at the cross and know Who was there (the Lord Himself) and why He was there—because He loved us and this was the only way to save us—we have the greatest revelation possible of His goodness and character.How much time do you spend focusing on the Cross and what it tells you about the character of God?