“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” — Exodus 34:29
Dear Choir,
Throughout Scripture, mountains serve as meeting places between heaven and earth—sacred spaces where God reveals His glory. This week’s Scripture readings take us on a journey from Mount Sinai to the Mount of Transfiguration, showing us how God’s glory, once veiled, has been fully revealed in Jesus Christ.
As choir members, we have a sacred calling: to take others to these holy mountains through our music and worship leading. Just as Moses ascended Sinai and the disciples followed Jesus up the mountain of transfiguration, we guide the congregation into transformative encounters with God’s glory. As we prepare our hearts and voices for worship, let us explore how these passages build upon one another to show us not only what we might experience on the mountain, but how we might lead others there as well.
The Veiled Glory at Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35)
Our journey begins at Mount Sinai, where Moses encounters God and receives the tablets of the covenant. When Moses descends the mountain, his face radiates with the reflected glory of God—so intensely that it frightens the people. They cannot bear to look directly at this reflected glory, and Moses must veil his face when speaking with them.
This veiled revelation speaks to both God’s holiness and the distance between humanity and divinity under the old covenant. The glory was real and transformative for Moses, yet it remained partially hidden from the people—a glory too intense to behold directly, mediated through a chosen servant.
The Holy Mountain of God’s Presence (Psalm 99)
Psalm 99 builds upon this theme, celebrating the God who “reigns enthroned between the cherubim” and calling the nations to “tremble” before Him. Three times, the psalm declares, “He is holy,” emphasizing the transcendent nature of God’s glory. Yet the psalm also recounts how God spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, revealing that while God’s holiness sets Him apart, He still communicates with His people.
“The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble… Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.” This invitation to worship at God’s holy mountain echoes Moses’ experience while pointing forward to a time when more than just select individuals might approach God’s presence.
The Glory Fully Revealed (Luke 9:28-36)
On another mountain—the Mount of Transfiguration—Peter, James, and John witness the culmination of God’s self-revelation. Jesus’ face is transformed, his clothes become dazzling white, and his divine nature shines forth. Significantly, Moses appears alongside Jesus, representing the law that pointed toward this moment.
While Peter, still not fully understanding, suggests building tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, God’s voice interrupts: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” The Father confirms that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory—no longer reflected as with Moses, but radiating directly from the Son himself.
When the cloud lifts, “Jesus was found alone.” All that came before—the law, the prophets, the veiled revelations—now finds its fulfillment in Christ alone. The disciples are left with Jesus only, the full and final revelation of God’s glory.
The Veil Removed in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2)
Paul takes the imagery of Moses’ veiled face and reveals its deeper significance. The veil represented not only the intensity of God’s glory but also the temporary nature of the old covenant and the spiritual blindness that prevented people from fully comprehending God’s revelation.
But now, Paul declares, “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Through Christ, we gain direct access to God’s presence. More remarkably, as we behold God’s glory with “unveiled faces,” we are “being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” What was once a temporary reflection on Moses’ face becomes a permanent, progressive transformation in believers.
This passage explains the theological significance of what happened at the Transfiguration, helping us understand how Christ’s work has removed the barriers that once separated humanity from God’s unveiled presence.
Closing
From the veiled face of Moses to the transfigured face of Christ and the theological understanding provided by Paul, Scripture reveals God’s progressive self-disclosure. What was once too glorious to behold directly is now fully accessible in Jesus.
As choir members, we are mountain guides, leading others to encounter God’s glory in worship. We’ve been given the privilege of ascending the mountain ourselves—experiencing God’s presence, beholding His glory with unveiled faces—but we don’t remain there alone. Our calling is to help others make the same journey, to experience for themselves the transformative power of standing in God’s presence. Through our music and worship leading, we extend an invitation: “Come up to the mountain with us and see the glory of God revealed in Christ.”
Reflection
1. Think about your role as a “mountain guide.” What preparation do you need personally to lead others up the mountain to encounter God?
2. How does your experience of God’s presence during personal worship affect your ability to guide others into that same presence?
3. What obstacles might prevent people in the congregation from “ascending the mountain” to see God’s glory, and how might our music help overcome these barriers?
4. Consider a time when music helped you experience God’s presence in a powerful way. How can we create similar opportunities for others?
5. Moses needed to spend time with God before his face reflected God’s glory. How does your time with God throughout the week prepare you to reflect His glory on Sunday?
Prayer
O Holy God, we are in awe of how You have revealed yourself from Sinai to the Mount of Transfiguration and ultimately through Your Son. Thank You for inviting us up the mountain to encounter Your glory with unveiled faces.
As we prepare to lead others in worship, draw us higher into Your presence first. Like Moses, may we spend so much time with You that our faces reflect Your glory. Like the disciples, may we witness Christ’s transfigured beauty in ways that transform us.
Make us faithful mountain guides who know the path well. Help our music create a road that leads directly to Your throne. May our singing describe the mountain and by Your Spirit transport others there. Grant us the privilege of watching faces radiate as worshipers encounter You—perhaps for the first time, perhaps in a deeper way than ever before.
Use our voices, our expressions, and our hearts to help others ascend to where heaven touches earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
Josh Cehulik 