The “Backside” of God (Exodus 33:18-34:9)
In Exodus 33:18-34:9, God shows Moses His “backside.” While people often debate the meaning of this, the text makes it clear. “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”
The back side of God is His goodness.
Biblical theologian Bob Deffinbaugh notes that: “Here, the emphasis of ‘goodness’ falls not on the things which God gives, but on the goodness and generosity of God as the giver of good things.”
His interpretation is reminiscent of Hebrews 11:6 where we are told that when we come to God we must believe that He is, and that He is a generous Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Here’s my questions for us. It would be interesting, informative, and encouraging to share responses with one another.
1. When have you seen the backside of God?
2. On this Thanksgiving weekend, do we have spiritual eyes to detect the backside of God—His goodness?
3. Do we have faith eyes to see the generous, gracious goodness of God?
4. How is God showing you His goodness these days?
5. What signs of God’s goodness is He sending into your life?
6. Are we seeking only the good gifts from God, or are we seeking to know the good God?
7. How is God making you aware of how good He is?
The back side of God is His goodness.
Biblical theologian Bob Deffinbaugh notes that: “Here, the emphasis of ‘goodness’ falls not on the things which God gives, but on the goodness and generosity of God as the giver of good things.”
His interpretation is reminiscent of Hebrews 11:6 where we are told that when we come to God we must believe that He is, and that He is a generous Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Here’s my questions for us. It would be interesting, informative, and encouraging to share responses with one another.
1. When have you seen the backside of God?
2. On this Thanksgiving weekend, do we have spiritual eyes to detect the backside of God—His goodness?
3. Do we have faith eyes to see the generous, gracious goodness of God?
4. How is God showing you His goodness these days?
5. What signs of God’s goodness is He sending into your life?
6. Are we seeking only the good gifts from God, or are we seeking to know the good God?
7. How is God making you aware of how good He is?
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