Background Story: Moses was God’s chosen leader of the Israelites and helped lead them out of 430 of slavery in Egypt. Now the Israelites are camped near Mount Sinai as Moses speaks to God about a new covenant and the 10 Commandments.

Read Exodus 33: 7-11

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.

Big Idea: Pursue a friendship with God.

What a sweet passage talking about the intimate relationship that Moses had with God. In verse 11, it says, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Let’s jump a little deeper into Moses’ relationship with God and look for ways we can draw closer to Him.

1- GET AWAY: Moses went outside away from everyone else to a place to speak with God. I’m sure being the leader of Israel was filled with plenty of distractions. But Moses set up a separate place away from distractions and annoyances to meet with Him. Jesus did this as well. It says in Luke 5:16, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” In today’s world, could there be any more distractions? Our phones alone are always alerting with texts, social media, events, and school stuff. But when it’s time to meet with God…it’s so important to get away. Put away the distractions and put the phone out of reach. Head to a chair or spot that’s your special place and prepare your heart to meet with God.

2- EXPECTATION: When Moses went to the meeting place, he went expecting to meet God there. He wasn’t there to check a box saying he had spent his 15 minutes with God today. He was there hoping to speak with Him and know Him more. Just like we enjoy a friend’s company and get to know them more as we spend time with them, our time with God should be a space where we are intentionally trying to know Him more. As you read your Bible, ask yourself questions like, “how does this passage show me God’s heart or character?” As you pray, ask God, “how can I glorify and honor You today?” Don’t make your time with Him all about you telling Him your needs but make it all about knowing Him more.

3- RESULT: In Exodus 34:29-30, Moses had another encounter with God. It says, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant.” As we continue to meet with God, it will result in us being changed to reflect Him more. Others see that and are attracted to Him through the reflection of God in our lives.

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