But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the Lord had given him, and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord. Exodus 34:34–35 (NLT)
We can use our imaginations and contemplate the glow that emanated from the face of Moses. It must’ve been more than the glow of a blushing bride, or expectant mother. Did Moses cover his face because it was so bright that it would cause injury to anyone who looked at him? Or was it, as Paul told us later, the the veil was to hide the fact that the glow had faded?
These may be interesting questions to consider but let us not miss the most crucial point. It was spending time in the presence of God that put the glow on his face. Spending time in the presence of God changes our countenance. It may not be a visible light but nevertheless, people around us will notice a difference.
Moses had limited opportunities to come into the presence of God. That is why the glow eventually faded. We, however, live under a different covenant. The veil has been torn, and we have access to the Holy of Holies. Remember, it wasn’t the Apostles’ pedigree or education that was noticed by men. They shined brightly because they had been with Jesus. If we are going to glow, we must spend time in his presence.
Be Filled with Light
Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” Luke 11:35–36 (NLT)
Like the moon, we have no light of our own. Unless we are filled with God’s light, any resemblance of light is a deception. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT)
In principle the thought of being filled with light might not be objectionable until we realize we will be exposed and examined. The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Proverbs 20:27 (NLT)
When we project light, we are noticed. Perhaps Moses covered his face with a veil, not so much to protect the people, but himself. Remember that when Isaiah saw the Lord, he proclaimed: “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)
The call to be filled with light is both exhilarating and frightening. Before we sing “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let It Shine,” we must remember, it will be difficult to hide. When we are willing to allow God’s light to shine through us, it is then that we will be useful to Him. John Wesley put it this way, “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.”
Shining Brightness
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines over you. For look, darkness will cover the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the Lord will shine over you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to your shining brightness. Isaiah 60:1–3 (CSB)
This passage from Isaiah highlights a great contrast. The world and its people are in great darkness. It was true in Isaiah’s day, and it is certainly true presently. While many recognize the darkness, responses vary greatly. For some the darkness is overwhelming, bringing despair. But we are not like those who have no hope.
Jesus is our light: In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:4–5 (CSB). Our shining brightness is not of ourselves. No matter how dark it may seem, this world’s darkness is no match for the light. Jesus said: I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. John 12:46 (CSB)
Isaiah proclaimed that nations would come to our light, and even kings to our shining brightness. It is more effective to allow the light to shine through us, than it is to curse the darkness.
Brighten the Corner
I recently came across a quotation from Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke that resonated with me:
"It is my heart's desire to shine as brightly as I can for Christ, for as long as I can, to as many people as I can."
I referenced this quotation several times in the past week, but then it seemed as though the accuser whispered in my ear, “Who are you? Have you preached the gospel to millions of people, and seen countless salvations?” Comparison will always bring discouragement.
About that time, the words of an old gospel song came to mind:
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.
There will always be lights that shine brighter, and we must be grateful to God for the impact that they have in his kingdom. We are only responsible for the talents that we have been given. We may think that we have only “a little light,” but are we willing to let it be seen in our corner, no matter how big or small it may be?
We may not think that we have a great sphere of influence, but God does not require greatness from us, only faithfulness. It’s time to glow!
Steve Ekeroth
Photo: Steve Ekeroth (Santa Barbara, 2025)