Would you like to see the face of God? I would, but the Bible states that anyone who sees the face of God will die.

It was Moses greatest desire to see the literal face of God even though the Bible indicated that he spoke with God face to face as friends. Face to face referred to the intimate relationship that Moses had with God. But Moses wanted more.

Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now, therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:12-14)

Moses entered into God’s rest because of his desire to know God’s way and to find grace in His sight. Moses knew God personally, but he realized that there was more of God that He wanted so he asked for God’s grace.

Moses sought the Son of God – Jesus Christ, who is the pathway to God. Through Christ, we also have grace or unmerited favor.

Moses then asked the Lord to allow him to see his face (glory), but the Lord told him that any man who sees His face will die. What does that mean?

Long ago in the Garden of Eden, the Lord told Adam and Eve that if they ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil they will die.

Whenever God spoke, His words immediately come to pass. Thus, the consequence of disobedience was immediate spiritual death and long-term physical death.

The result of seeing the face or glory of the supreme God will cause transformation. Your body will change from mortal to immortality, and you will be instantly ushered in the literal presence of God in heaven.

The prophets, Enoch who walked with God and Elijah who was carried away by the chariot of God into heaven, saw the face of God before they were transformed and transported into His presence.

When Christ returns to earth, the believers will be changed when they see His face and behold His glory. We will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye. (1 Corinthians 15:52)

Jesus Christ was transfigured on top of the high mountain in the presence of His disciples. His entire appearance changed. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Jesus transformed into His immortal body to enter into heaven where He met Moses and Elijah. (Matthew 17:1-13)

It is significant that Moses who yearned for the glory of God and Elijah who was also immortalized and transported into heaven met with Christ.

I believe they were sent to comfort Christ and encourage Him so that He was strengthened before His passion.

Spiritually, we need to live in the presence of God so that His glory will renew our mind and transform our lives.

References: Numbers 12:4-8

How can we experience more of God’s presence? Share with us your thoughts.