“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses. […] Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:9, 11a).
Moses’ relationship with God makes astonishing progress from his first encounter to the time of the giving of the law. When Moses first met God at the burning bush, he was terrified. He didn’t want to obey God’s command to confront Pharaoh about the Israelites’ slavery. He didn’t want anything to do with this impossible mission. But now, after witnessing God’s power in Egypt and having led the people out of slavery, Moses wants nothing more than to be with God. He delights in His presence.
In all of the commands God gives Moses, there isn’t one that says he must come to the tent of meeting every day to speak with God. This implies that this regular practice is at Moses’ own volition. He chooses to meet with God day by day, spending time with Him and talking with Him. And in return, God speaks to Moses as a friend. This is the great God who ravaged the land of Egypt, who led His people out of slavery by His mighty hand! This is the God who is so holy that no sin can even enter His presence. Yet He chooses to call Moses His friend. And Moses loved to be with Him.
As believers in Christ, we have this same access to God. We were once condemned sinners, but we have now been brought near to God by the redeeming blood of Christ. He calls us not only His friends but also His children. He delights in us coming to Him and speaking with Him. He wants to be with us, as well. Like Moses, we can come boldly into His presence, knowing that He loves us and calls us His friends.
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