Characteristics of the New Generation of Fighting Men: #3 – Be Radiant – Like Moses

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Posted by rfathers on January 8, 2010

In Exodus 34 the story is told of Moses returning from Mount Sinai after 40 days and nights fasting and in the presence of the Lord. His face glowed so brightly that he had to wear a veil over his face when he spoke to the people (Exodus 34:27-35).

The original Hebrew word that described how Moses’ face shone is qaran (Strong’s Concordance, #7160) which means, to shine, to send out rays, to emit beams, to glow.

Why Was Moses’ Face So Radiant?

Moses face was radiant because he spent time in the presence of the Lord. However, his radiance was probably not just on the outside – on his face. The radiance was an outward sign of what was happening on the inside of Moses. The radiance that showed on Moses’ face was also manifested in his soul and in his spirit – which would have come from the time Moses spent in the presence of the Lord.

Moses time with God put him in much closer contact with God and God’s purpose. It would have given Moses a boldness in his walk with God. He would have gained clearer purpose of mind, divine wisdom in decision-making and leadership, holiness in his lifestyle and much, much more.

You too can be radiant like Moses.

How Can We Be Radiant Like Moses?

The simple answer is to do what Moses did. But of course the context is different today. We are not on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. However, being in the presence of the Lord in our own prayer closet and in our daily living can be just as powerful.

What Was Moses Doing While in the Presence of the Lord?

Scripture tells us in several placed what Moses did while in the presence of the Lord. Let us look at seven of them:

1. Fasting: (Exodus 34:28) – As mentioned above, Moses was fasting. He was denying his body for a higher purpose of his spirit. Like Moses, today fasting should be done for specific purposes such as: to humble oneself, to get closer to God (consecrate oneself), to understand God’s Word better, to better hear from God (understand His Will and to get direction), to seek healing, to gain divine intervention (break yokes and lift burdens), and to intercede for others. Moses’ fast was a serious fast. He wanted to be right there with God so he was willing to go without food and drink to open the door for that to happen.
2. Worship the Lord: (Exodus 24:1-5) – The Bible tells us that Moses led the people in worship. However, Moses fasting for 40 days and nights (Exodus 34:28) was also a form of worship. That is, when we submit our bodies to God for a higher purpose of the Spirit, that is a spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1-2 NIV). Certainly forty days with the Lord as Moses was – will bring us to a state of worship. For us today, we need to keep in mind that worship is not just about singing songs and saying nice words – it is about lifestyle. We will explain more about this much later when we define the Characteristics of the Fighting Army.
3. Pray Earnestly: (Deuteronomy 10:10) – Communication with God today is largely through prayer. That is how we speak to God. God reveals His will to us through our spirit. Any time someone is seeking the Lord and fasts like Moses did, there is most definitely sincere and purposeful prayer going on. If you have ever fasted seriously then you know it is a time for really seeking the Lord and His will for you (Psalm 63:1).
4. Intercession: (Deuteronomy 10:10, Exodus 32:31-32) – Moses spent much time in intercession for Israel. Because of Moses’ intercession for Israel, they were saved from the Lord’s destruction (Number 14:10-38). Today, the Lord commands us to pray for each other (Ephesians 3:18: James 5:16).
5. Seek Forgiveness: (Exodus 32:30) – Moses sought forgiveness on behalf of the people of Israel to help restore them into a right position with God. It is imperative that we repent from our own sins so that God can restore us to our right position with Him (Psalm 51).
6. Experience the Glory of the Lord: (Exodus 24:15-18; 33:18) – Moses went up to the mountain to be with God. He left others behind and assigned Aaron and Hur to handle matters in his absence. When in the presence of the Lord our focus must be on Him. Too often we let the troubles of the day overshadow our time with God. This is a time of building faith and getting to know God better and better by experiencing Him. It is also a time for communion with God, a sweetness that surpasses all understanding.
7. Receive Instructions from God: (Exodus 19:3-6) – Many times God gave Moses instructions on how to lead and what to say to Israel (including the Ten Commandments). Communion with God (prayer) is a two-way street. We talk to God. He talks to us through our spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). God also instructs us through His Word (the Bible), thus we must study His Word. For anyone who wants to know the will and mind of God, His Word is the best place to start.

If you spend the kind of time with God that Moses did – then you too will shine from the Holy Spirit working inside of you. Are you ready to shine for God? You can be like what Jesus called a light of the world (Matthew 5:14)!

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In the next post we will cover Characteristic #4: The Reproach of Egypt Is Gone.

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