Devotions Based on Hymns from Glory to God and Their Scriptural Allusions

 

READ: Exodus 33:17-23

Some years ago, a white plush Peek-a-Boo Teddy Bear was donated to the church and our staff determined it was “just too cute” to give away and that it would be kept in the office to comfort or entertain children. The Peek-a-Boo Teddy Bear has proven to be a “hit” with young children. They love his giggles and his “Peek-a-Boo” exclamations. Just when you think he is done, there is usually one or two more “Peek-a-Boos” left in him.

In the scripture lesson from Exodus, we learn that Moses has found favor in God’s sight and that God knows Moses by name. Now the Moses who was too timid to address Pharaoh is now bold enough to make special request of God. Moses says to God, “Show me your glory, I pray.” Wow! Moses’ tongue has really been loosed or else he cannot grasp the magnitude of the request he has made of God. What we learn is that God will play a modified game of “Peek-a -Boo” with Moses!

God says, “I will make all of my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord’ and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live. See there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

We see how Exodus 33:20-21 allude to the great hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Listen or sing:

“Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see. Holy, holy, holy, there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.”

While God did not grant Moses’ request, God did favor him with a peek, by allowing him to see much more of God than you or I most likely would see. Inasmuch as we do believe that we will see our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ face-to-face one day, perhaps then we will be given a glimpse of God’s glory too.

Prayer

Most Holy God, we thank You for this great hymn of the church. While we cannot see You, we give thanks for the glory we see in all Your creation. Hear our songs of praise every morning for to You and You alone belong all glory. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.