This is one of the most remarkable chapters in the entire Bible. We are told elsewhere in the Bible that no one can look upon the Lord and live (Exod 33:20), and yet here it says that all of the elders looked upon God – and yet lived. As if to emphasize it even more, it goes on to describe part of what they saw – the area around God’s feet – it was like brilliant lapis lazuili – so clear, though, that it was like the sky. (Wow!)
Commentators debate this one, but I think they did see God, and I think the Lord made an exception and gave them the eyes (temporarily) of eternity to be able to see Him – so that they would be able to LEAD well. Leadership is so much about VISION. He gave them a vision not mainly of what they were to do, but of WHO He is. That changes who they are, and then affects everything they will do.
We are all leaders in some way – and so start with turning your eyes upon the Lord – see who He is, and then lead well.
http://nlt.scripturetext.com/exodus/24.htm
