Exodus 34:29-35
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.”
Moses descended the mountain after forty days of intimate communion with the Lord; God’s unfathomable light and glory reflected in his face. Moses had been profoundly transformed, both spiritually and physically.
What happens when we, as believers, submit to the transformation through the blood of Christ and the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit? Is our transformation limited to the unseen—our spiritual awakening and the renewal of our hearts and minds?
We were not meant to live solely in the physical realm; God has made us so much more than our physical selves, yet we cannot deny that a life lived in close communion with God can affect our physical appearance and presence. Think of how much love, joy, peace, and light is evident not only in the actions of those who follow Jesus but that can also be reflected in their faces, radiating the goodness of God. It is not a mask we don, or a sign we consciously wear, but rather a humble holiness that shines from within and draws others in. Just as Moses was unaware of his own spiritual radiance, our radiance is not something we force but a gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
Let me tell you how I came to experience this truth.
I was walking along the beach, off season, wrestling with how I could ever move through the grief of the passings of my nephew and his mother, my sister-in-law. I happened upon a person staring intently at something in the sand. As I approached with curiosity, I became instantly aware of two powerful images: the person was a woman of similar age dressed all in white, complete with a beret. The object at her feet was a beautiful sea gull, lying perfect and quiet.
She turned to me, revealing one of the loveliest faces I have ever seen. She nearly gleamed, radiating sweetness and kindness. Her moist eyes sparkled. She smiled. I immediately thought, “she has an aura!” Her light and warmth instantly drew me in as she said softly,
“Beautiful, isn’t he? It must have been his time. What do you know of grief?”
I couldn’t respond. Several minutes passed in silence, and then she asked, “Do you have time to walk with me a while?”
And just like that, two strangers locked arms and fell into step. She spoke of her nephew who had recently passed, of her concern for his father, her brother. She told me how God was meeting her in her sorrow, and how he had sustained and strengthened her throughout her life. I shared my grief, my faith. Our communication extended well beyond words. Knowledge and understanding flowed between us. I have no idea how much time passed nor how far we walked, but suddenly we found ourselves back where we had met. We parted with a long embrace, promising to pray for each other and our families. We never shared our names. It didn’t seem necessary, as if we already knew each other. Life passed between us and around us.
I walked away, still sensing her radiant presence, and feeling blessed beyond measure, comforted and at peace. I turned to catch one more glimpse of her, but she was gone.
Holy Spirit, cleanse us. Renew us. Transform us into compassionate, generous, merciful people who diligently seek to radiate your unquenchable light and love. Amen.