The giving of the laws by God (as recorded in the book of Exodus) established the covenantal relationship between God and the children of Israel. God was forming His children into a nation that would be distinct from the rest of the world. And God would dwell and manifest His glory in their midst. We can make three observations from Exodus 24:12-18 (which is a demonstration and manifestation of the glory of God).

Today, without a sense of the greatness and the glory of God, people do not fear God. And they show no reverence for God in the way they speak, act or even worship. In Exodus 24:12, God commanded Moses to go up the mount of God alone. After Moses had gone up, a cloud covered the mount, and the glory of God was manifested like a devouring fire on the top of the mount. Through this majestic and grand sight, God showed His awesome glory to the children of Israel.

The root word for “glory” (Exod 24:16) is weight, implying heaviness. It gives us the sense of majestic awesomeness and grandness of the inherent greatness of God’s power and honour in which no human vocabulary is able to adequately describe. God does not cease to be glorious even when men do not acknowledge the glory of God. In fact, it is foolishness if men do not recognise the glory of God. As such, Christians must approach God in worship with reverence and fear and must never disregard the presence of God or treat God lightly, and without respect.

Christians are a privileged group of people because God had manifested His glory to us in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and the “Shekinah” (i.e. dwelling) glory of God now dwells and shines in our hearts (2 Cor 4:5-6). Realising this truth must change our perception of God and His glory. We will be delighted to be in the presence of God and will enjoy the fellowship with Him in worship.

The glory of God should consume us because of our sins. However, because of the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. And now His glory draws us to Him. This brings us comfort; and encourages us to desire to serve God and consecrate our lives to do His will, knowing that God is with us.

Question: Have you gotten a glimpse of the glory of God?

Having seen the glory of God, the things of this world will grow strangely dim.