Glow-in-the-Dark Christianity:

Exodus 34:29

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in His hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant, because he had spoken with the Lord. 

I’ve always tried to imagine what this verse meant exactly when speaking of Moses radiance.  I picture his face bright and golden, light exuding from underneath his skin, like something glow-in-the-dark.  I wonder how bright it was, and how it felt.  But no matter the details, one thing is for sure- everyone noticed. 

According to Exodus 34, when Aaron and the rest of the people noticed, they were a bit freaked out.  They weren’t sure what to expect because something about him was drastically different. 

There had been a noticeable change.

I don’t know about you but there is something overtly challenging about this passage.  The reality is, when we meet face to face with God- there should be a drastic change.  There should be a noticeable difference.  There should be something that happens to us that causes others to observe a change.  There should be a radiance about us, emanating the essence of who our God is.  When we leave His presence, some part of that presence must go with us. 

For Moses, it was a brightness, a physical light for all to see.  A brightness having nothing to do with the words he spoke, and everything to do with the light he displayed.  For us, that light can come in so many forms.  Selflessness.  Patience.  Love.  Peace.  Joy.  Kindness.  Gentleness.  God’s spirit is unique.  God’s spirit causes a change in us.  It causes us to radiate with His presence, not because of who we are or what we say, but because of who He is in our lives. 

The beauty of this passage is that Moses had no idea that anything had changed.  He had no idea that others saw the mark of a Holy God on his life.  The only way that he was able to realize was due to the reactions of those around him.  They knew he had been with God without him saying a word. 

Christians, may you be empowered to live a life that radiates that presence of your God.  May you be challenged to leave His presence changed, allowing it to infiltrate every part of your being.  May you be inspired to embrace a life that penetrates the darkness of sin with the light of Christ.  May you be fueled to live in such a way that causes the people around you to seek the face of God.  May you be ignited to display His radiant love through your life today and every day.