The people of Israel are rightly timid after their encounters with God. They realize that he is the mighty one. This we also can see even through our observation of nature. The complexity of our world, the intricacy of all creation cries out to us and illustrates God's power. Yet through our own observations we are unable to see God's love.
God's chosen people, Israel, likewise hide themselves from God's presence. Some of this is at the suggestion of God himself. If he is among them he will surely kill them. They are stubborn and faithless. Contrary to popular wisdom, God doesn't love the sinner and hate the sin. No, it's sinner and sin together consigned to death and hell. So out of his infinite mercy God has masked his glory. He has revealed himself to Moses and Joshua, outside the camp, protecting the bulk of the nation from his consuming presence. Even at a distance we see that the people are moved to worship.
In these last days God has revealed his glory to the world through the person and work of Jesus. We no longer have to look at God from a distance, in a pillar of cloud at the tent where just a couple of people go to meet with God. We have seen, heard, and touched Jesus (1 John 1). God has shown his glory in these last days in his Son (Hebrews 1). He is the one who brings life to all who believe (John 1). Our God has visited us and we can stand before him by faith in Christ.
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