God was leading His people out of the slavery of Egypt into a new life. He had done that with displays of great power—the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the exhibition of His control of nature on Mount Sinai. Even with all of that, Moses asked a fascinating question, found in Exodus 33:12-19.
Moses said, “Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider, too, that this nation is Your people.” And the LORD said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. …You have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.” Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”
What did Moses request? He asked to see God’s glory.
What did God say He would do? He would honor Moses’ request.
And how did God explain that?
I will make My goodness pass before you.
I will proclaim My name before you.
And what is the essence of the proclamation of His name?
I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.
What does this mean about what God is revealing about Himself? Minimally, the display of God’s goodness and glory is anchored to His sovereignly bestowing mercy and compassion on whomever He wishes.
Perhaps this is an overlooked truth about how we come to see God’s glory. It is when we are in need, when we feel desperate, that God’s mercy and compassion can best be experienced. And there we see something of His glory.
Can you hear the echo of this profound insight in what Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans about our “exulting” in our trials and troubles?
We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-5
Why rejoice in tribulation? That leads to a sure hope—a confidence about our future with God. And why does that hope not disappoint? Because in that hope we have come to experience something of the love of God. It is His display of mercy and compassion—in His love for us—where we find our hope and where we see His glory on display.