READ Exodus 33:18-23
When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock (Exodus 33:22).
We were climbing El Diente Peak in the San Juan Range in Colorado, and were well above tree line when a severe thunderstorm suddenly broke over our heads. We were totally exposed to the elements. Quickly, we took cover in the cleft of a rock while lightening flashed all around us. While we waited out the storm, I was reminded of the time when God put Moses in a cleft in the rock and showed him his glory. God’s glory was shown to us that day through the frightening display of lightening that lasted for about an hour. When the skies cleared, we emerged from our hiding place and were grateful to be able to complete the ascent of the peak.
The first verse of Augustus Toplady’s hymn Rock of Ages identifies the cleft rock as Jesus.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.
How is Jesus a double cure for sin? First, we are saved from God’s wrath and judgment against sin because Jesus bore the penalty for our sins on the cross (Romans 5:8-9). Second, Jesus’ righteousness is transferred to us, making us pure in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins and presenting me faultless before the Father.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In Christ, we are declared righteous before God.
