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.

Fear and Joy; A Savior Born!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11 KJV)

I would be most probably be sore afraid too if an angel of the Lord showed up and the glory of the Lord shone around me. This is not a little thing. It would be a shock and awe moment. A bit of fear and a whole lot of awe.

But, this angel who brought fear to the hearts of the shepherd also brought good news; very good news of great joy. Their Savior was born. He lives! 

The shock and awe of Christ's birth seems to have worn off a little in these days. Now, it's not so much about celebrating the birth of a Savior and King; but, about personal celebrations of a holiday; not so much a holy day.

May the wonderment of a child born in a barn for the sole purpose of saving us from our own sinful ways be with you this Christmas season.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Fear; The Lord Is With You

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 NRSV)

Do not afraid; do not fear! We hear this words not just from the angel speaking to the shepherds; but, from Jesus on more than a couple of occasions in the Gospels. Who are they kidding? We would be very afraid, indeed, to have an angel appear before us with the glory of the Lord shining all around us.

Do not fear. The Lord is with you always. (Isa 41:10) The Lord who loves you and gave himself for you is always with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.