Day 29 – Exodus 33-35; Luke 20-21

Old Testament reading: Exodus 33-35

At the end of chapter 33 we see a common phrase that has created much confusion through the years. After Moses asked God to show him His glory, God responded, “You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me, and live” (33:20). Even among Bible characters before and after Moses, this truth was known, yet misunderstood in its application. In Genesis 32:22-32 Jacob wrestled with God and was said to have prevailed. This must be understood in some accommodative sense, for no man can prevail against God. Jacob also called the place Peniel saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Again, some accommodative sense must be here understood. A similar account is also seen in the life of Gideon (Jdg 6:22). Additionally, in my experience, it is also commonly understood that Moses’ face shone after he came down from receiving the Ten Commandments. This is not the case. Moses had already received the Ten Commandments earlier and had come down from the mountain to deliver them to the people. His face was not shining then. It was because of the events of this particular encounter, and the passing by of God’s glory, that Moses’ face shone. The receiving of the Ten Commandments was not the reason, but rather it was being in God’s presence.

New Testament reading: Luke 20-21

“Beware lest anyone cheat (make spoil of) you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col 2:8). The chief priests, scribes and Pharisees were notorious for enriching themselves at the expense of the common Jew (cf Luke 11:46; 20:47; Matt 23:14). They are the vinedressers of Luke 20:9-19.  The servants are God’s prophets, and Jesus is the son. The Jewish leaders had rejected God’s prophets through the years, and now believed that killing Jesus would allow them to exercise their power over the people. This explains the vinedressers’ assumption that killing the son would permit them to take possession of his inheritance. Jesus makes it clear that all such men would be utterly destroyed by His Father.