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Radiance: Moses, a Groom and Joy

March 25, 2022 by Lauren 24 Comments

radiance“It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.”  Exodus 34:29 NASB

 

Last weekend, the daughter of one of my dearest friends got hitched.  She was a beautiful bride and the ceremony was lovely.  It put me in mind of my own wedding ceremony.

 

On the afternoon of January 16, 1999 I waited nervously at the back of the church with my father for my cue.  All the bridesmaids had processed down the aisle.  The music swelled, the doors opened, and there I was looking to the front of the sanctuary at the face of my soon-to-be-husband.

 

I will never forget that moment as long as I live.  It was so dramatic that I think I might have fallen and rolled down the aisle had my dad not been there to support me.

 

As I started my descent, my husband glowed.  His eyes danced and his smile beamed.  I felt like the most beautiful girl in the word as he mouthed the word “Wow” in admiration.  I smiled and cried all the way to the altar.

 

After the ceremony, a guest approached me with a mouth full of wedding cake.  He commented that my husband looked so nervous before I stepped into the room.  He said that my presence in the sanctuary immediately transformed Chuck’s face and gave him an expression of joy.  What a compliment!

 

The Radiance Connection

 

If a mere girl in a wedding dress can cause such a drastic transformation, I cannot  imagine what happened to Moses on Mount Sinai.  He came into the direct presence of God.  The NASB translation (the one quoted above) says “his face shone”.  The New International Version calls him “radiant” after this encounter.

 

Even though I like to think my husband still finds joy in me, his reaction on our wedding day was a temporary expression.

When you come into the presence of God, you are imbued with radiance.  Changed for life.  

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Moses was unaware of his appearance as he came down the mountain, but others noticed the change in him immediately.  My prayer is that you will strive to wear your joy so that it can be seen by those around you.  Then those you minister to – in turn – will come into the presence of God.

 

And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

 

Karen Girl Friday challenged me to rethink the way I journal and encouraged my soul by sharing some entries from hers!  Read 20 Encouraging Entries from My Journal.

 

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

Grace and Truth_Meet Hosts

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Filed Under: Christian, Grace & Truth Link Up, joy, love, marriage Tagged With: bride, Moses transfiguration

Comments

  1. Amy Johnson says

    March 25, 2022 at 7:20 am

    Such a beautiful comparison. TFS.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 25, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you, Amy.

      Reply
  2. Barbara Harper says

    March 25, 2022 at 2:15 pm

    What a sweet moment! I think, if we’re spending time with the Lord, we won’t be able to help shining a little bit of what He has shined in our hearts. This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 2 where it talks about the “aroma” of Christ that spreads to others through us.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 25, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      So like the aroma of Christ. Love that comparison, Barbara!

      Reply
  3. Karen Friday says

    March 25, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    Lauren, this is a beautiful piece about radiance and being a bride. And so appreciate you featuring my post about journaling. You bless me!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 27, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you, Karen. And it is my pleasure!

      Reply
  4. Barb Hegreberg says

    March 25, 2022 at 5:14 pm

    I love how you tied things together!

    Our son got married last summer. It was truly a glorious day!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 27, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed your son’s big day. I think so many of us stress about the details of our loved one’s weddings and miss the joy!

      Reply
  5. Karen Friday says

    March 26, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    Hey Lauren, I thought I left a comment yesterday, did it not come through? This is such a beautiful piece about your moments of being a bride and how we are the radiant bride of Christ! And I so appreciate you sharing my post about journaling. God bless!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 27, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      Yes! I got both. An extra blessing for me.

      Reply
  6. Maryleigh says

    March 28, 2022 at 3:25 pm

    This lightened my heart – such beautiful joy! I love how God gives us life experiences that hint at what we can have through Him! How I want to shine that kind of joy!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 28, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      Me too, Maryleigh! Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  7. Holly Breton @ Pink Lady says

    March 29, 2022 at 6:10 am

    Loved reading this- will be one of the greatest moments of your life 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Yes, it was fun to relive. Thanks for reading, Holly.

      Reply
  8. Anita Ojeda says

    March 29, 2022 at 11:43 am

    Aww! What a beautiful memory! May we always come away radiant after spending time in God’s presence.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Amen! Thanks for adding that prayer, Anita.

      Reply
  9. Joanne Viola says

    March 29, 2022 at 2:18 pm

    Such a sweet and precious moment! I am so grateful we have these moments to remember and hold onto!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 29, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      Me too, Joanne. Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  10. Carol says

    March 29, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    That’s such a sweet story about your wedding day. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 13.
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 30, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you, Carol.

      Reply
  11. Tammy Kennington says

    March 30, 2022 at 9:49 am

    Lauren,

    My son, Benjamin, just married his bride last weekend. Ben shared that he grew weak in the knees when his girl entered the room.

    Beauty changes us.

    I pray God’s holy beauty will transform me! Thank you for sharing this lovely story.

    Blessings,
    Tammy

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      March 30, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      I saw the pictures on social media. It looked lovely. Congrats on your new dil and I’m saying a prayer right now for the new couple!

      Reply
  12. PaulaShort says

    April 1, 2022 at 8:40 am

    Wow Lauren. What a great comparison. I can see and feel the picture.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      April 3, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      Thank you, Paula. What a kind compliment.

      Reply

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I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
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