The last couple of chapters in my Bible reading have been astonishing. Israel broke their covenant with God! While Moses was on the mountain receiving the stone tablets from God, they worshiped a golden calf. Judgment followed. People died. Israel mourned. Moses pleaded with God. Amid all this, Exodus 33:11 stood out to me like a cool breeze on a hot day.
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. (Exodus 33:11, KJV)
God spoke to Moses like a friend! Yes, God is holy; He will not overlook sin. But He spoke to Moses as a friend in the Tabernacle! This tent was set up outside the camp, where God and Moses often met. Doesn’t this remind us of a verse in the New Testament?
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15, KJV)
Wow! God desires friendship! Don’t think of Him as a formal, distant, far-off, or scary God. Think of Him as someone who wants to be your friend! Yes, God—your friend!
So, what is one of the marks of a close friendship? Friends enjoy talking to each other. Deep communication! They enjoy being together! That’s what Moses had in the Tent of Meeting. That’s what Jesus had with His disciples. That’s what He wants with you!
Don’t hesitate. Enjoy a friendship with God. He wants to be your friend!
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