The last couple of weeks in Exodus we have read about the historic failure of the Israelite people when they asked Aaron to make them a visible god and then worshipped it with pagan activities. Moses was so angry over it that he broke the stones with the 10 Commandments on them. God was so angry that He tried to assign ownership of the people to Moses instead of Himself. Actually, this was a protection of the people because God said if He went with the people He might destroy them. So what might seem like a capricious attitude on God's part is actually not. He always kept their best interest in mind.

But there were dire consequences for their sin. The ring-leaders died immediately by the hand of those who had not participated in the sinful idolatry. Others died from a plague. Deuteronomy tells us all the fighting men died in the wilderness.

So, while the people's relationship with God was strained, Moses's only grew stronger. He set up a tent outside the camp where he went to speak with God. And then God called him back up onto the mountain again.

In Chapter 34, Moses took two more stone tablets and hiked to the top of Mount Sinai. There, God revealed the His character to Moses through the proclamation of His name: Yahweh. Moses responded with an act of worship. He bowed down to the ground. There is something about the pysical act of bowing low that not only shows God our awe of Him, but affects us. Have you ever experienced such an overwhelming revelation of His glory that you fell on your knees, or your face, before Him? It is an almost involuntary act at first, born of a desire to acknowledge that I'm giving up all control and putting my life in His hands.

Interestingly, what did Moses do next? He asked God one more time to go with the people. Isn't that what naturally comes along with worship? We want to talk to God, to tell him the things most important to us. God agreed. He forgave their sin.

God then outlined the covenant again, as a renewal of the vows. But the covenant was dependent upon the people keeping God's instructions, His terms of the deal, if you will. Highlighted in verses 10-17 is the most important part--not having any other gods and not even compromising with the enemy on this issue.

Is God the ruler of your life? Is there any compromise?

Verses 29-35 tell us that Moses's face began to glow as a result of spending so much time with God and His glory. This same principle still works today. When we spend time with Him every day in worship and prayer, our faces will change. People will notice. Do you know somebody who just glows because of their walk with the Lord? I think we all do. Don't you want to be that person? After today, you know how. Join me in a daily pursuit of Jesus and let's see if we can't all radiate the love of Christ.