His Face Shone; They Were Afraid

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. 

                                                                          (Exodus 34:29-35)

An encounter with God can last for all of eternity! 

For whatever reason, God chose Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. He chose to reveal himself to Moses, first in a burning bush and then later on the mountain when he gave Moses His law. These encounters were life changing and not just for Moses. Yes, they changed his life. The encounter on the mountain actually changed his countenance. His face absolutely shined. The glow of the light on his face was so much that the people were afraid to go near to him. 

Moses' encounters with God not only affected him but also had an effect on the people of God. Although he was never able to enter the promised land, he led the people there. He was with them to let them know what God was promising them as well as what God expected of them. 

No matter who it is that God reveals himself to that person is changed for all of eternity. God has revealed himself to us through Jesus. Encounters with Jesus; getting to know him will change us forever. And, yes... people will be a bit wary of the followers of Jesus. Some will even be afraid of those who follow him. Not everyone will understand. 

No matter what people may think of you remember that you have the light of Christ within you.  "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Cor 4:6)

Do not be afraid to let others see the light of Christ that shines through you. Do not worry about what they may think. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J.