In the light of the King’s Countenance
Proverbs 16:5
In this sermon we will look at the phrase “In the light of the kings countenance is life” in view of God being the king and the source of all light and life. We will make a connection between Jesus as the glory of God and the light of the world, which will also connect to the word of God. Then we will connect the light of the king’s countenance to the word of God and show how the word of God is life as well as our greatest source of help.
Moses desires to see the glory of God (Exodus 33:18-23)
Moses desires to see the glory of God. Yet God tells him that no man can see his face and live. Remember that God is light (1 John 1:5), in our present bodies we cannot look on this light and live. Paul seeing Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus was blinded by his glory. Note the typology of Jesus Christ in the passage:
- Jesus is the manifestation of his goodness (verse 19)
- Jesus is the name of God (verse 19)
- Grace and mercy are found in the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 19)
- God said there is a place by me, which is where Jesus Christ dwells (verse 21)
- Note the rock and the cleft in the rock. Moses had already struck the rock, and it brought forth water and he is going to be put in the clift of the rock. These point to Jesus Christ (verses 21-22).
The Lord Passes by Moses (Exodus 34:5-9)
Note that after God passes by Moses, he uses unique wording in verse 9, “O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us”. This is like when David said “The Lord said unto my Lord” (Psalm 110:1) David was speaking of Jesus Christ and I believe Moses was as well.
Moses face shown after being with God (Exodus 34:29-35)
Just like being exposed to radiation, which is light in another form than we think of light, Moses was affected by being with God. The more time we spend with God and his word the more it should show on us as well.
Jesus Christ is the glory of God (John 1:1-14 ; 17:5,24 ; Hebrew 1:1-3)
Jesus Christ is the word of God (John 1:1-14 ; 1 John 1:1-5)
Connection between these things and the word of God (2 Corinthians 3:6-18 ; James 1:22-25)
Now let us note the other times the phrase “light of thy countenance” is used and connect it with the word of God.
- Light of thy countenance shows us sin (Ps 90:8)
- Light of thy countenance shows us the right path (Ps 89:15)
- Light of thy countenance accomplishes things for that we cannot (Ps 44:3)
- Psalm 42:11 here God is said to be the light of our countenance. The word of God is health to us (Proverbs 3:2-8)