The Bible’s message comes through very clearly: Humans, as they are here and now, cannot see God. Seeing God in His glory, majesty, and purity would kill them. Nevertheless, one day Moses asked God to see His unveiled glory, to experience His presence in an unprecedented way (Exod. 33:18). This is a good yet dangerous prayer. The issue is that Moses’ relationship with the Lord had grown so much that he desired the last barrier to fall. He had identified with the Lord so much and become transformed into God’s character to such an extent that he wished to see his Creator and Savior.
While the Israelites begged the Lord no longer to speak to them directly (Exod. 20:19) because they could not endure it, Moses did not request less, rather, more. True believers desire to see God; and Jesus and the New Testament promise that one day they, indeed, will see God (Matt. 5:8; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 22:3–5). This is our glorious hope.
However, for this to happen, we live our lives with God today and develop constantly deepening relationships with Him. While being exceedingly grateful for our salvation, we are committed to living His will, allowing the Lord to transform us. We may call this, among other things, revival and reformation. One day by His grace, when the dead will be raised, we will be completely transformed, able to experience fully God’s marvelous holiness and unequaled love.
Ekkehardt Mueller, THD, Serves as Deputy Director, Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
