Lesson 12. “Please, Show Me Your Glory” The Longing for God’s Presence
Moses had already experienced many extraordinary encounters with God — yet his heart longed for more. He did not only want to serve God, but to truly know Him, to understand His nature, and to live in close fellowship with Him. In the midst of disappointment and spiritual struggle, Moses asked for the highest thing imaginable: “Let me see Your glory!” This request reveals a deep longing for God’s presence and shows that true spiritual maturity always goes hand in hand with an ever-growing desire for God. In this lesson, we discover how God reveals Himself — not through spectacular signs, but through the beauty of His character. Those who perceive the glory of God are themselves transformed and begin to reflect it in their own lives.
Contents: 12.1 The Tent of Meeting A Place of Nearness – Where God Speaks with Man
The Tent of Meeting was a visible expression that God, despite the people’s apostasy, still desired closeness with them. It stood outside the camp — a place of separation, yet also of deep fellowship. There, Moses met with God as a friend speaks with a friend — an astonishing statement of trust and intimacy. This relationship was not one-sided: Moses actively sought God’s presence, and God responded. His time with God in the tent transformed him — outwardly and inwardly. Likewise for us, spiritual growth becomes possible when we deliberately and regularly seek God’s presence.
12.2 That I May Know You To Know God – Not Just to Know About Him
Moses had already witnessed great miracles and spent much time with God, yet he realized that his understanding of Him was still incomplete. In deep humility he prayed, “Let me know Your ways, that I may know You.” This desire was not driven by intellectual curiosity but by a passionate longing for genuine relationship. Moses understood: only if God’s presence led him could he fulfill his calling. God responded with grace and a promise to remain with him. This scene teaches us that spiritual maturity does not mean knowing everything, but continually seeking to know God more deeply.
12.3 “Please, Show Me Your Glory” Understanding God’s Nature – His Goodness Is His Glory
Moses’ request to see God’s glory came from a deep yearning not just to serve God but to truly know Him. God granted this request not through a display of overwhelming power, but by revealing His goodness — for that is His true essence. In doing so, God showed that His glory is found in His patience, grace, and love toward imperfect people. This divine goodness transforms hearts and leads to repentance. When we recognize God’s character — most clearly revealed at the cross of Christ — we ourselves are changed. We too become mirrors of His glory — in our daily life, in our character, and in our relationships with others.
12.4 The Self-Revelation of God The Name of the LORD – Who God Truly Is
In Exodus 34, God revealed to Moses His true nature — not in the form of an image, but through words describing His identity. He calls Himself merciful, gracious, patient, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness — a self-description that becomes the core of the biblical message. This scene is the “John 3:16” of the Old Testament because it shows that God’s glory lies in His character, not merely in His power. Moses responds with worship, for true knowledge of God always leads to adoration. In this moment, God also renews His covenant with the people and promises to perform wonders among them — if they remain faithful to Him. This revelation calls us to know God’s character more deeply and to respond with love and obedience.
12.5 The Shining Face of Moses Transformed by God’s Presence
The shining of Moses’ face was a visible sign of the inner transformation produced by his deep encounter with God’s goodness and nature. It was not merely proximity to God, but the conscious recognition and acceptance of His character that brought about this change. Moses himself was unaware of his radiance — true spiritual maturity often shows itself in humility and unconscious grace. His glowing face became a mirror of God’s glory and a testimony to the people. We too can be transformed when we open our hearts and fix our eyes on Christ, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18. The glory that changes us begins with the recognition of God’s love — and leads to a life that reflects Him.
12.6 Summary To Know God – and Be Transformed
Lesson 12 reveals Moses’ deep spiritual journey — though he had already experienced much with God, he longed for an even closer relationship with Him. His plea to see God’s glory sprang from a desire to understand God’s nature more fully. God responded by revealing not only His power but above all His goodness, grace, and faithfulness — the true core of His glory. This encounter transformed Moses so profoundly that his face began to shine — a visible sign of inner transformation through God’s presence. We too are transformed when we seek God not only with our minds but with our hearts. This lesson invites us to seek God’s nearness, to contemplate His character, and to let Him shape our lives.
