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October 16, 2023

To Be Known

Lyn Pace   |   Read Exodus 33:12-23

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Lectionary Week
October 16–22, 2023
Scripture Overview

Popular images often portray God as a passive grandfather figure. However, this is not the picture scripture provides. God’s presence has a profound impact on the physical world. In Exodus, Moses feels insecure about the calling on his life and asks to see God’s glory. God in part grants this request, but no one can experience the presence of God completely and live. The psalmist describes how God is exalted and how God’s holiness shakes the earth itself. The New Testament readings explore different themes. Paul opens his letter to the Thessalonians by commending them for their faith and partnership in spreading the gospel. In Matthew, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus in his words, but he confounds their efforts.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 33:12-23. When have you struggled to believe that God is with you? How did you find a sign of God’s presence?Read Psalm 99. How has God heard your cry? How can you listen with God for the cries of others?Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. When does your faith call you to live in a counter-cultural way? How do you show the world how to live?Read Matthew 22:15-22. You belong to God. How do you feel God’s call on your life?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Exodus 33:12-23

12 Moses said to the LORD, “Look, you’ve been telling me, ‘Lead these people forward.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. Yet you’ve assured me, ‘I know you by name and think highly of you.’ 13 Now if you do think highly of me, show me your ways so that I may know you and so that you may really approve of me. Remember too that this nation is your people.” 14 The LORD replied, “I’ll go myself, and I’ll help you.” 15 Moses replied, “If you won’t go yourself, don’t make us leave here. 16 Because how will anyone know that we have your special approval, both I and your people, unless you go with us? Only that distinguishes us, me and your people, from every other people on the earth.” 17 The LORD said to Moses, “I’ll do exactly what you’ve asked because you have my special approval, and I know you by name.” 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glorious presence.” 19 The LORD said, “I’ll make all my goodness pass in front of you, and I’ll proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD.’ I will be kind to whomever I wish to be kind, and I will have compassion to whomever I wish to be compassionate. 20 But,” the LORD said, “you can’t see my face because no one can see me and live.” 21 The LORD said, “Here is a place near me where you will stand beside the rock. 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I’ll set you in a gap in the rock, and I’ll cover you with my hand until I’ve passed by. 23 Then I’ll take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face won’t be visible.”

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

It is good to be known. In my local coffee shop, Gina knows me. She has been working there since it opened more than five years ago and knows my name because my order is always the same. We have had conversations, shared laughs and a few tears too. If...

How are you known in the world? Give thanks that you are known and loved by God!


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