Face to Face with God

Exodus 34:1-35:9

Moses was an amazing individual.  He found a special place before God.  Scripture says that "the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex. 33:11).  In this passage today, this "face to face" relationship is explained a bit further.  Here are some interesting points:

1.  Moses WENT UP to God (34:2).  I believe God has COME DOWN to us in the person of Jesus.  He came to us.  Now, we are to respond by COMING TO Him.  This is not for salvation (we got that in Jesus).  This is for communion and fellowship.  Moses had to GO TO God.  That means that you can't stay the way you are and where we are -- you must change.

2.  God showed Moses some of His ATTRIBUTES (34:6-7).  God showed Moses that He is MERCIFUL, GRACIOUS, PATIENT, GOOD, TRUTHFUL.  In a "face to face" relationship with God, we are not just telling Him about our situation, we are learning what God is like.  We get to know Him!

3.  God SPEAKS to us.  He communicates.  He tells us about our future.  He tells us things He wants us to do.  He gives us His perspective on things.  Someone might think this is wierd -- like hearing voices.  It's not that way.  It is a "still, small voice" that whispers the will of God to our heart and our conscience. 

4.  You GLOW from God's presence.  Moses face literally shone (34:29-35).  It had a glow on it as he walked out of the presence of God.  II Co. 3:12-18 in the New Testament states that we have a similar glow on us as we enter God's presence today by the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  His light shines on us and then through us.  Amazing.

Some might think this "face to face" relationship is peculiar to only the holiest of individuals -- people like Moses or the apostle John.  The Bible clearly states that every follower of Jesus is granted access into the very presence of God by the blood of Jesus.  This is our true home.  It is before the face of God Himself.