Suggested Praise Songs:
Resources for Family Worship (with Children):
- Letting Your Light Shine | How Kids Can Share Their Faith – Lesson for Kids
- Light of the World | Stellar VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
- This Little Light of Mine | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
- Shine | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
- Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).
Explanation:
Forty days later, Moses came down from the mountain with the new tablets of the covenant, and light radiated from his face (v.29). This light was different from sunlight. It refers to the holy radiance that shines through a person’s expression when filled with grace. That holy aura was radiating abundantly from Moses. Yet Moses himself was unaware of it. Because of this light, Aaron and the Israelites were afraid to come near him (v.30).
When Moses called Aaron and the people to come closer, they finally gained the courage to approach him (v.31). After Moses shared with them the words he had received from God at the top of the mountain (v.32), he covered his face with a veil (v.33). The word translated as “veil” might make us think of a towel used for washing. However, it refers to a thin covering that still allowed faint visibility. From then on, Moses would remove the veil only when going before God or delivering God’s word to the people; at all other times, he kept it on (vv.34–35).
Meditation:
After spending forty days fasting and intimate fellowship with God, Moses’ face shone radiance. His entire being had reached the highest holiness and purity attainable by a human. In the Korean language, the word for “face” (얼굴) is said to come from “eol-gul,” which means “the visible form of the soul.” “Gul,” as in when we say, “nice appearance,” refers to the outer shape, while “eol” refers to the unseen spirit or soul. The idea is that the inner state of the soul becomes visible through the face. Because Moses had such a deep and intense communion with God, his whole being was filled with holiness and purity, and his face revealed that radiance. For a time, he maintained that inner state, so he had to cover his face with a veil.
The Apostle Paul used this story as a metaphor for our spiritual lives. He explained that Moses covered his face so the people would not see the fading glory (2 Corinthians 3:13). As a result, “the minds of the Israelites were made dull,” and “to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read” (v.14). But Paul also says that the veil is “taken away in Christ,” because in Christ, the Holy Spirit makes the meaning of the old covenant clear.
Our spiritual life is about “beholding the Lord’s glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Whether through prayer, worship, Bible meditation, or acts of loving service, all of it lifts our hearts toward God’s glory. And when we do this, “we are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.” This transformation begins within us and is then revealed through our lives. Paul emphasizes, “This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Prayer:
Lord, even if we do not need to cover our faces with a veil like Moses did, may a faint light of the joy and peace of Your Kingdom still shine from our faces. Lead us into deeper fellowship with You, so that light may grow ever brighter. Amen.
Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:
Key Point: When we spend time with God—through prayer, worship, and His Word—our hearts begin to reflect His glory. Just like Moses’ face shone after meeting with God, our lives can shine with God’s joy, peace, and love, even in quiet, gentle ways.
- For Preschool-Elementary
- What does it mean for someone’s face to “shine” with God’s love?
- Can you think of someone who makes you feel safe and loved, like being near God?
- What is one way you can spend time with God this week?
- For Youth
- Why do you think Moses didn’t know his face was shining? What does that say about true spiritual growth?
- How might someone today “reflect God’s glory” even without glowing like Moses?
- In what areas do you want to grow closer to God so that others might see His peace and joy through you?
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