When all the people would see the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people, each one at the entrance of his own tent, would rise and worship. The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, the way a person speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his servant, Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not leave the tent.
Into the Text
There’s something so comforting about spending time with close friends. You’re able to talk about everything and nothing at the same time. Your closest friends know you—both your best parts and worst parts—and they love you still, no matter what.
This type of relationship points us to the greatest relationship we were created for—a relationship with God. Yet, our uncleanness keeps us at a distance from a holy and glorious God. This is why it is so surprising to see Moses meeting with God at the tent of meeting.
God wants to be in a relationship with His people.
As amazing as it is that Moses was able to meet with God, he still wasn’t allowed to see God’s full glory. But, this wasn’t to be the norm forever. God promised to send a Savior—God in the flesh—to make a way for all to be restored into a relationship with Him.
Jesus was the physical embodiment of God’s glory. He showed us just what God is like: gracious, compassionate, loving, just, forgiving, and merciful. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered salvation by grace through faith.
Now, we don’t have to go through someone like Moses to hear from God. Those who have trusted in Jesus are washed clean and can meet with God at any moment through prayer. And one day, we will be allowed to behold God’s glory as we are reunited with Him in heaven forever.
Prayer
God, I long for the day that I can see you face to face. While I wait, may I continue to seek you daily through prayer. Amen.