Show Me Your Glory

Show Me Your Glory

Introduction:
Exodus 33:17–23 records Moses’ bold request, “Please, show me Your glory.” After Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses longed for renewed closeness with God. Though God would not let him see His face, He revealed something far greater—His divine nature and character. What follows in Exodus 34:1–9 is God’s own description of Himself.

God’s Self-Revelation

When God declared His name before Moses, He unveiled His essence. This revelation of His attributes shows what makes God glorious.

The Lord, the Lord God
God repeated His divine name, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal self-existence. He depends on nothing outside Himself for life or power (Exodus 3:13–15). He is the unchanging “I AM.”

Merciful
God’s mercy expresses His tender compassion toward the weak and suffering, like a father toward his children (Psalm 103:13). Despite Israel’s rebellion, His mercy endured (Deuteronomy 4:30–31). Though holy, He pities His people and forgives them when they repent (Psalm 78:38–39).

Gracious
Grace describes the heartfelt response of one who has abundance toward one who is in need. God’s grace moves Him to help the humble and repentant (2 Chronicles 30:8–9). His grace restrains His wrath and welcomes the contrite.

Longsuffering
God is patient and slow to anger, though His righteousness demands justice. He delays punishment to give mankind opportunity to repent (2 Peter 3:9). He does not overlook sin, but He waits mercifully before judgment.

Abounding in Goodness
God’s goodness, or steadfast love, overflows toward His creation. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good” (Psalm 136:1). His kindness and compassion are everlasting, reaching far beyond what His people could ever deserve.

Abounding in Truth
God’s truth is steadfast and dependable. His promises never fail (Psalm 108:4). Because His Word proceeds from His nature, it is pure and trustworthy (John 17:17). God’s truth is the standard by which all things are measured.

Keeping Mercy for Thousands
God’s mercy extends across generations to all who love Him and keep His commandments (Exodus 20:6). His faithfulness does not fade but remains constant until the end of time.

Forgiving Iniquity, Transgression, and Sin
God forgives all forms of wrongdoing. He removes guilt, carries it away, and casts it into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). “Iniquity” refers to crooked behavior; “transgression,” to rebellion; and “sin,” to missing the divine mark. His willingness to forgive demonstrates His perfect balance of justice and mercy.

By No Means Clearing the Guilty
Yet God’s justice remains. Those who persist in sin without repentance will face judgment (Ezekiel 18:20). While the repentant find pardon, the unrepentant remain guilty. Though God does not punish children for their parents’ sins, sin’s consequences often affect future generations.

When Moses heard this revelation, he “made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.” Understanding who God is leads naturally to reverent worship and humble obedience.

Show Me Your Glory Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Exodus 33:17–23 – Moses’ desire to know God more deeply.

• I. The Lord, the Lord God (Exodus 34:6)
  • Yahweh: self-existent, eternal (Exodus 3:13–15).

   

• II. Merciful
  • Compassion toward the weak (Psalm 103:13; Deuteronomy 4:30–31).

   

• III. Gracious
  • Responds to human need (2 Chronicles 30:8–9).

   

• IV. Longsuffering
  • Slow to anger, giving space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

   

• V. Abounding in Goodness
  • Unfailing love and kindness (Psalm 136:1; Psalm 78:38–39).

   

• VI. Abounding in Truth
  • Trustworthy and faithful (Psalm 108:4; John 17:17).

   

• VII. Keeping Mercy for Thousands
  • Extending covenant love through generations (Exodus 20:6).

   

• VIII. Forgiving Iniquity, Transgression, and Sin
  • Forgiveness that removes guilt (Micah 7:19).

   

• IX. By No Means Clearing the Guilty
  • Justice balanced with mercy (Ezekiel 18:20).

   

• Conclusion: Exodus 34:8 – Moses’ worshipful response; knowing God leads to adoration and repentance.

Call to Action:
Like Moses, we must desire to know God more deeply. Let His revealed nature draw you to worship, repentance, and renewed obedience. God still shows His glory through His Word and in the face of Jesus Christ. Seek His mercy, live in His truth, and walk in the light of His presence each day.

Key Takeaways:

• God reveals His glory through His character (Exodus 34:1–9).
• He is merciful, gracious, patient, good, and true (Psalm 103:13; John 17:17)
• His forgiveness is complete for those who repent (Micah 7:19).
• His justice is sure for the unrepentant (Ezekiel 18:20).
• Genuine knowledge of God inspires worship and obedience (Exodus 34:8).

Scripture Reference List:

• Exodus 33:17–23 – Moses’ request to see God’s glory.

• Exodus 34:1–9 – God’s revelation of His nature.

• Exodus 3:13–15 – God declares His name, “I AM.”

• Psalm 103:13; Psalm 78:38–39 – God’s compassion and mercy.

• Deuteronomy 4:30–31 – God’s mercy after Israel’s rebellion.

• 2 Chronicles 30:8–9 – God’s grace welcomes repentance.

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience and longsuffering.

• Psalm 136:1; Psalm 108:4 – God’s enduring goodness and truth.

• John 17:17 – God’s Word is truth.

• Exodus 20:6 – Mercy extended to thousands.

• Micah 7:19 – Forgiveness of sin and removal of guilt.

• Ezekiel 18:20 – Accountability and divine justice.

• Exodus 34:8 – Moses’ humble worship.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO