We have seen this scene...
Illustration
We have seen this scene in dozens of movies or heard it described in various novels or writings. The ruler has had to pass judgment on a beloved servant or child, who has risen up against the good of the ruler or the state. The sentence is that the guilty one shall "never again see my face ..."
While the Old Testament conception of this issue was that people could not look upon God's face, it was exceedingly important to have the glorious and benevolent face or glance of God to look with blessing upon the people or a person.
To avert the eyes or fail to look at another in everyday family or business life is a sign of brokenness or insincerity. In spite of our message-sending by wire and enormous telephone capabilities of today, some things must be discussed "face to face." So it is that by highway or by airplane representatives in the business world go in person day after day over long distances for face-to-face meetings. Thus far we have found no substitute for the power of such meetings. A busy airport any evening bears witness to this face-to-face journeying of thousands of representatives in the business, religious, or political world.
Moses instructed Aaron to deliver God's blessing, as a glorious and benevolent shining of God's face upon them! Many pastors, priests, or rabbis count this act of blessing on behalf of God, rightly, as one of their greatest privileges of ministry!
While the Old Testament conception of this issue was that people could not look upon God's face, it was exceedingly important to have the glorious and benevolent face or glance of God to look with blessing upon the people or a person.
To avert the eyes or fail to look at another in everyday family or business life is a sign of brokenness or insincerity. In spite of our message-sending by wire and enormous telephone capabilities of today, some things must be discussed "face to face." So it is that by highway or by airplane representatives in the business world go in person day after day over long distances for face-to-face meetings. Thus far we have found no substitute for the power of such meetings. A busy airport any evening bears witness to this face-to-face journeying of thousands of representatives in the business, religious, or political world.
Moses instructed Aaron to deliver God's blessing, as a glorious and benevolent shining of God's face upon them! Many pastors, priests, or rabbis count this act of blessing on behalf of God, rightly, as one of their greatest privileges of ministry!
