Face to Face
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, “May I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly day by day” (Richard of Chichester, 1197–1253).
Read Exodus 33:7–11
7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
This paragraph tells us something fascinating and wonderful—Moses was in the habit of meeting the Lord face to face!As the story of Moses’ conversation with God progresses, we get this interlude to explain that he was in the habit of meeting with the Lord in the tent of meeting. To meet with God is the greatest privilege of all. So when Moses would go out to the tent, everyone would stand and worship. A God who chooses to meet with us privileges us beyond words.
The description of Moses’ meetings with the Lord is fascinating. They would meet face to face and talk together as one speaks to a friend (11).
Obviously this paragraph is placed in the text at this point for a purpose. How could Moses talk with the Lord up on the mountain so boldly? How could Moses challenge God and urge him to keep his promise to the fathers of the nation? Perhaps because Moses was used to meeting the Lord in the tent down near the people. Moses had confidence in the promise because he was well-acquainted with the Promiser!
Apply
How would regular meetings with God stir within you greater confidence in God’s promises?
Closing prayer
Go into your “tent of meeting” and sit with God, face to face in his presence. Listen and respond.
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