Exodus 33:20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Jack Nicholson’s iconic line in the movie A Few Good Men comes to mind as I read today’s verses: “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” God tells Moses that “no one may see me and live,” His radiant love and grace, His sovereign power, is too much for any human to handle.
Exodus 33:21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.
Commentary also references Elijah in 1 Kings 19, when he expected to see God in the strong wind, the earthquake, and the fire, but instead felt him “after the fire [in a] still small voice” (v12). God is powerful and mighty, but He can also be quiet and gentle.
Exodus 33:22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
Precious Savior, You are all powerful, all knowing, incredibly loving and compassionate, Your glory and radiance are such that we can’t experience it first hand and live. Yet You are also gentle and quiet, a whisper to our hearts. Thank You that I can know You even if I don’t fully understand You. Help me to draw closer to You every day. Amen.
Exodus 33:23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Have a blessed day.