“The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty…’” — Exodus 34:6–7
SOUNDING
This moment comes after Israel’s failure with the golden calf. While Moses was on the mountain receiving the law, the people grew impatient and asked Aaron to make them a god they could see. They melted their gold and formed a calf, worshiping it as the one who brought them out of Egypt. The covenant had barely begun, and it was already broken! Moses interceded for the people, pleading that God would not abandon them, and then asked something remarkable: “Show me Your glory.”
When God answers that request, He does not reveal glory through thunder, fire, or spectacle. Instead, He speaks His character. As the Lord passes before Moses, He declares who He is. Compassionate. Gracious. Slow to anger. Overflowing with steadfast love and faithfulness. Forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet also just, refusing to ignore evil. In other words, God’s glory is not merely power. His glory is the depth of His mercy and the steadiness of His justice held together. The brilliance Moses experiences is the beauty of God’s character.
This matters because many people imagine God’s glory as an overwhelming force or distant holiness. Scripture reveals something deeper. God’s glory is His mercy that refuses to give up on people. His patience that outlasts human rebellion. His faithfulness that holds covenant even when people falter. When Moses asks to see God’s glory, what he receives is the clearest picture of God’s heart.
BEARING
God’s glory is revealed most clearly in His mercy, patience, and faithful love.
PRAYER
Merciful God, help me see Your glory not only in power but in the depth of Your mercy and faithfulness.
DROP IN
Read Exodus 34:6–7 slowly today and circle one phrase that reveals something about God’s heart toward you.
Ryan Daffron 
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