James Nisbet Commentary - Exodus 34:29

James Nisbet Commentary - Exodus 34:29 - 34:29

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James Nisbet Commentary - Exodus 34:29 - 34:29

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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

MOSES’ TRANSFIGURATION

‘And it came to pass, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.’

Exo_34:29

‘He wist not that the skin of his face shone.’ Few and simple as these words are, there could be none grander written to the memory of a hero. The noblest and loftiest character is assuredly that of the man who is so absorbed in the Divine nature of his calling, and so conscious of the need of those for whom he labours, that he becomes forgetful of the beauty in his character which others recognise, and almost unconscious that he is himself the worker.

I. There are many unconscious believers and workers in the world still, who may gather helpful thoughts from this fact concerning Moses.—Much time and ability have been devoted to discussing the question of ‘Christian assurance.’ To say that if we do not feel that we are saved, we are not saved, is to lose sight of what salvation really means. It is nowhere stated in Scripture that an assurance of that salvation which is a gradual matter, a day-by-day struggle and deliverance, is either universal or necessary. God may think it best that some of us should not have assurance, as on that great day He kept Moses unconscious that the skin of his face shone.

II. Perhaps some of us may feel that there were moments of such bright and hopeful experience once, but they are past now, and that seems to us the saddest thought of all.—Still we need not despair. We should go back as Moses did to the mount where God had spoken to him, to the source of the old enthusiasm and the former faith. If we go back and stand face to face with the crucified Christ, our life will glow anew with the radiance of His love, even though we ourselves are unconscious of it.

III. This holds good also regarding our work for God. Many a splendid silent work is done on earth, and the doer is perhaps unconscious of it, and may remain unconscious till the great day of the Lord shall reveal it.

—

Canon Teignmouth Shore.

Illustrations

(1) ‘ “Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone.” I would fain refuse as emphatically to magnify myself.

For what have I which I have not received? If I am endowed with the spirit of power and love and discipline, if I am growing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour, I owe it to nothing of my own—I owe it altogether to the undeserved kindness of God my Redeemer and Keeper and Friend.

And am I not far removed still from the perfect character? Habitually and deeply I am impressed with the conviction of my shortcoming and sin. There are dark spots on the whiteness of my robe. There are unholy thoughts in the secret of my heart.

And is not my sanctification a gradual process? The precious stone does not gleam rainbows the moment it touches the lapidary’s wheel, and the growth of my soul in spiritual lustre is quiet and progressive. I do not see it readily. I cannot boast of it yet.

And am I not in the company of a peerless Lord? Christ is my Exemplar, Master, End. The American singer says of his mother, “I read her face, as one who reads a true and holy book.” So, while Jesus inspires me, He compels me to confess, “I am a sinful man, O Lord”; He makes me conscious of inferiority.

Thus I do not know that my face is shining.’

(2) ‘The man whose face really shines is unconscious of it. In all regions of life this is the crowning charm. Whenever a man begins to think himself perfect, he begins to deteriorate. The beauty of childhood is its perfect unconsciousness; and if we would be born again and enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must become as little children in this also. “I always thought that you were perfect until I heard you say that you were!” was the shrewd comment which a practical man made upon the credentials of one who was boasting of himself. When climbing the ladder never look down, or your head will become giddy, and your feet will slip; keep looking up, and you will hardly realise how high you have climbed.’