"Show me your glory..."

I am in the middle of writing two sermons right now: one for preaching class and one for my Field Ed church.  I am loving it.  My OT narrative sermon is from Exodus 33.11-23, where Moses is talking with God, wanting to know how he will know that God will be with him.  Moses is bold and Moses is persistent.  Sometimes I think he is not really listening to what God is saying.  He wants a clear answer from God, a promise of God's presence and protection. 

Moses asks of God, "Show me your glory..." (33.18)  My general reaction is to hear it as a plea of desperation for the intimate presence of God to remain with Moses, and when I pray that, for God's presence to remain with me.  (I have lots of other thoughts about what it could mean in Moses' context, but for now, I'll just say that I think it is a great plea.)

When you hear that phrase, or sing a song with those words, or pray a prayer like that, what do you mean?  What do you think Moses means?

Comments

[kyle dawn]

i think i pray it as a plea as well. although, there is a bit of fear involved because what would it truly mean to see God's glory? it's one of those things i pray in all honesty and then am humbled by what i've asked for and wonder if i really mean it...

sometimes i wonder if it's said with a bit of derision: God show me your glory so i can really believe. i need the proof. i can't make it without seeing a physical manifestation...

i can't wait to hear you preach on it!

[Peter Eavis]

I love these conversations between Moses and God -- and this is one of the best. Make sure you put up your sermon when it's done -- there's a lot in this passage and I'd love to see what you draw out. Me, I'd probably go for the option of saying how living in God's presence is not actually something that is offputtingly mystical or a deeply religous pursuit, but a readily-obtainable, pre-requisite for a great life etc etc. Moses has great experience of God's presence -- and he knows he can't do without it, and the somewhat desperate responses of Moses hint at that.

[Mary]

I'm glad you love preaching and the sermon writing process...I prefer an attack by bees.