The Countenance of Change

Scripture Exodus 34:34-35

But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded, the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone. So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with Him.

Commentary:
God called Moses unto Himself for 40 days and 40 nights. During this time God gave Moses the ten commandments etched out in Gods' own handwriting. God personally wrote the ordinances that the children of Israel were to live by. Originally Moses had one tablet that had the instructions from God for the people. However, when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, and witnessed the condition of the people, after he had left for some time to speak with God; he became angry and cast the stone down, and it crumbled to pieces. Therefore, God took special care to make two additional tablets to write His word on, so the people would have a thorough understanding of what He required of them, so they would know how to live a life that was pleasing to Him.

During the time that God spent with Moses, his countenance changed from that of a mere man, to that of the reflection of God. The countenance of Moses changed to the point that the glory of the Lord shone on his face. The glory of the Lord was so strong on him that he had to cover his face with a veil, when he spoke with the people. When Moses first came down from the mountain, the people were afraid of him, because the Glory of God was so strong on him. Moses chose to wear a veil, when he was in their presence; but he took off the veil, when he was in the presence of God.

Reflection:
The act of putting on the veil, and taking the veil off, is an example of what God wants to do in our lives. He wants us to be able to come to Him unveiled: sincere, honest, and holding nothing back. We can be naked before God, and not ashamed of anything. He accepts us for who we are, because He truly loves us. As we  spend more and more time with Him, our countenance changes into who He wants us to become. If we truly desire to be like our heavenly Father, we should spend quality time with Him on a daily basis; removing all distractions that would hinder our time alone with Him. As we spend more time with Him, we will exude His reflection, and others will be drawn to us: for the purpose of building the kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for the quality time that you establish in my life to spend with you. I thank you for directing my steps, and leading me throughout the day, so that I am focused on what you have purposed for me to do. I thank you for your hand continually leading me, as your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding envelopes me; for the manifestation of your glory. I give you the praise, and the honor, for what you have done in my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

Speak: 1696
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
a) (Qal) to speak
b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
c) (Piel)
1) to speak
2) to promise
d) (Pual) to be spoken
e) (Hithpael) to speak
f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

with Him, he would take: 5493
1) to turn aside, depart
a) (Qal)
1) to turn aside, turn in unto
2) to depart, depart from way, avoid
3) to be removed
4) to come to an end
b) (Polel) to turn aside
c) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose
2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish
d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

until: 5704
1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as

a) of space
1) as far as, up to, even to
b) in combination
1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' - from)
c) of time
1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end
d) of degree
1) even to, to the degree of, even like

until he came out, and whenever he came in: 3318
1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

a) (Qal)
1) to go or come out or forth, depart
2) to go forth (to a place)
3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)
4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)
5) to come out of
b) (Hiphil)
1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out
2) to bring out of
3) to lead out
4) to deliver
c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Book of Exodus 34 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 5 Feb 2010.  http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=34&t=NASB


Higgins, S. (2010) The Countenance of Change. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com