When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. Exodus 34:29
We talk a lot about preparation and packing for a mission trip; passports, visas, tickets, clothes, snack food, toiletries, medication and the like. All of these items are essential, but the most important thing you will be taking with you is your testimony. The fresher your testimony, the more radiant it will be. So, before you descend the mountain into the valley of an international mission trip, learn a few truths from Moses’ experience with God on Mount Sinai.
- When Moses came down the mountain, he had a testimony, a fresh word from God.
If you leave for your mission trip with a dusted off copy of your testimony and a folder of stale sermons you plan to warm up after you get there, the people will not get the message that God intended for them. Before you leave, spend time on the mountain top with God to receive the testimony he has for them.
- Moses’ face shown with the effect of being in the presence of the Glory of God and was not even aware of it.
When you spend time on the mountain with God it will be reflected in you without your consciously thinking about it, producing a more sincere testimony that rings true with those who come into contact with it. Which would you rather experience? A small infant that is so precious to behold, but doesn’t even know it? Or a bratty six year old that thinks he’s cute and acts accordingly (and consequently isn’t cute at all).
- The people immediately noticed the difference in Moses because he brought light into the darkness.
When you’ve spent time up on the mountain, people will notice, much in the same way the people took note that the disciples had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Yours will be a testimony that causes people to say, “This guy Is indeed different. I want what he has.” On the other hand, as happened with Moses, some people will be frightened in the same way a guilty person fears being exposed by the light.
- Moses shared with the people the commands the Lord had given him
He didn’t come down and lord his elite spiritual status over the people like some religious celebrity. Rather, as a humble servant of the people, he went to work sharing with them the message God had given him. The world has enough religious celebrities, what it is starving for is a fresh word from God.
Remember, it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that will be a testimony to the nations.
SHINE ON!
