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The heart cry of Moses, worthy of emulation
SHOW ME THY GLORY
Memory Verse
Exodus 33:18 “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.” (KJV)
Text: Exodus 33:13–18
The cry, “Show me thy glory”, in Exodus 33:18 is one of the deepest spiritual longings ever expressed by a mortal man. It was not a request for material blessings, earthly recognition, or visible success. It was the desperate yearning of a man who had encountered God repeatedly and yet desired to know Him more intimately. Moses, despite witnessing miracles, signs, wonders, and divine manifestations, still hungered for something deeper: the revelation of God’s glory. This passage teaches that no matter how much of God one has experienced, there remains a greater dimension to seek.
The background of this scripture reveals a painful moment in Israel’s history. The children of Israel had sinned grievously by worshipping the golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving God’s commandments. God became displeased and declared that although He would send an angel to guide them into the promised land, His presence would not go with them (Exodus 33:1–3). Moses understood something profound: progress without God’s presence is failure disguised as success. A land flowing with milk and honey meant nothing if God Himself were absent.
In Exodus 33:13, Moses prayed, “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee.” Moses recognised that divine direction comes from intimacy with God. He did not merely ask for blessings; he sought God’s ways. Many desire God’s hand but neglect His heart. They seek miracles but avoid relationships. Moses teaches that true spiritual maturity begins when one values knowing God above receiving things from God.
God responded in verse 14, saying, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” This statement carries tremendous spiritual significance. The presence of God guarantees divine rest, peace, victory, and preservation. Where God’s presence abides, fear loses its power, confusion disappears, and battles are fought from a place of confidence. Moses understood this deeply, which is why he boldly replied in verse 15, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” He preferred remaining in the wilderness with God rather than entering abundance without Him.
This should challenge believers today. Many pursue opportunities, influence, positions, and wealth without first asking whether God is truly in it. Success without divine approval often leads to hidden emptiness. Moses teaches us to prioritise God’s presence above personal ambition. A delayed journey with God is better than a hurried destination without Him.
Moses further acknowledged that God’s presence distinguished Israel from other nations. In verse 16, he said, “So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.” The glory and presence of God are what make God’s people unique. It is not titles, appearance, eloquence, or status that separate believers; it is the evidence of divine presence upon their lives. A person may possess intelligence and influence, yet without God’s glory, such achievements remain ordinary.
Then comes the climax of the conversation in verse 18, where Moses boldly declared, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” This was not a casual prayer. It was the cry of spiritual hunger. Moses had already seen God perform miracles: the burning bush, the ten plagues in Egypt, the Red Sea parted, manna from heaven, water from the rock, and the mountain trembling under God’s power. Yet he still desired more. Spiritual complacency had no place in his heart.
The glory of God represents His manifested presence, His beauty, power, holiness, majesty, and divine character. Moses was not merely asking to see dazzling light or supernatural wonders; he desired a deeper revelation of who God truly is. Sometimes believers mistake emotional experiences for glory, but the true glory of God transforms character, renews purpose, and deepens intimacy.
In response to Moses’ request, God revealed something extraordinary. Rather than simply displaying overwhelming power, God declared in Exodus 33:19 that He would make “all my goodness pass before thee”. This reveals an important truth: the glory of God is closely connected to His goodness, mercy, compassion, and character. God’s glory is not only seen in thunder and fire; it is also seen in His loving-kindness, forgiveness, faithfulness, and righteousness.
The prayer, “Show me thy glory,” remains relevant for believers today. In a generation distracted by worldly pursuits and shallow spirituality, there is a need for men and women who genuinely long for God’s presence. To seek God’s glory is to desire deeper intimacy above public recognition, holiness above popularity, and spiritual transformation above temporary pleasure.
When God’s glory rests upon a person, transformation becomes evident. Moses himself became radiant after encountering God, so much so that his face shone (Exodus 34:29–35). Encounters with God leave undeniable marks. One cannot genuinely experience divine glory and remain unchanged. Pride begins to fade, worldly desires lose attraction, compassion increases, and obedience becomes easier.
There are conditions for experiencing God’s glory. Hunger is essential. Moses desired more of God despite previous encounters. Separation from sin is necessary because God’s holiness cannot dwell comfortably in impurity. Persistent prayer is required, for divine encounters are often birthed in secret places of communion. Obedience also matters, because revelation flows where surrender exists.
Many believers ask God for favour, breakthroughs, healing, promotion, and prosperity, but perhaps the greatest prayer remains: “Lord, show me Thy glory.” When His glory comes, direction follows confusion, peace replaces anxiety, strength overcomes weakness, and divine purpose becomes clearer. Seeking God’s glory is seeking the fullness of His presence.
The cry of every sincere believer should, therefore, be the cry of Moses: “Lord, I do not only want blessings; I want You. I do not merely seek Your hand; I seek Your heart. Show me Thy glory.” This prayer changes a person from ordinary to extraordinary because anyone who truly encounters God can never remain the same.
Key Lessons from Exodus 33:13-18
- God’s presence is more valuable than material blessings.
- Spiritual hunger is necessary for deeper encounters with God.
- True glory reveals God’s character, goodness, and holiness.
- Divine presence distinguishes believers from the world.
- Genuine encounters with God produce visible transformation.
- Intimacy with God should be prioritised over personal ambition.
Prayer Points
- Lord, create in me a deeper hunger for Your presence.
- Father, let me never pursue success without Your guidance.
- Show me Your glory and transform my life for Your purpose.
- Let Your presence distinguish me in my generation.
- Draw me into deeper intimacy and revelation of who You are.