Favor

The Angel Gabriel
Originally uploaded by evissa

12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." (Exodus 33)

Today I chose several verses to give context to today’s devotion. Moses spoke with God face to face, but did not see God’s glory. In a conversation with God, Moses held God accountable for His words to Moses. Moses’ request was for God to teach him his ways so he may know God and continue to find favor. Moses also implored God to remember the Israelites are his people.

Now God was sending the children of Israel into the Promised Land soon. Yet, Yahweh was unhappy with this stiff-necked people, and declared his Presence would not go with them. Notice that the LORD’s response to Moses’ request for teaching, continued favor and remembering his nation was, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Two concepts.

First, the LORD relented on his word that his Presence would not go with them. Now it would go with them. And God was to give Moses rest.  Still, Moses continued to drive home the point, if your presence does not go with us, do not send us from here. God just said he was pleased with Moses. Yet Moses wanted to know what else would distinguish him and God’s people from others if God’s presence did not go with them. The LORD’s response was more affirmation that he would do the very thing Moses asked because he was pleased with Moses and knew Moses by name.

The LORD must have anticipated Moses’ request because he actually granted it before Moses asked. And yet, Moses continued to drive home his point. The LORD did not become angry. Notice Moses was completely comfortable speaking with the LORD like we would with a good friend. He let his opinions be known. He called it like he saw it. He called God into account to deliver on His word. And the LORD relented, and the LORD granted him his request for His Presence. He offered both rest and the fact that He was, indeed, pleased with Moses. He offered that He knew Moses by name.

I wonder what that means? The LORD knew Moses by name. Does that indicate he knew Moses intimately, as a really good friend? What does it mean to know someone by name? Familiarity? Trust? A certain level of personal, intimate knowledge?

Perhaps we should take note and think longer about this exchange between Moses and the LORD. Maybe this could be, or should be a template for our relationship with God. Our conversations (prayer) with God. Maybe this should be a template for our intimacy and openness with God. Maybe God should know us by name. And maybe God should be familiar with us coming to him, claiming his word, and spending time face-to-face.

Something to think about.

LORD, may we know you and be known, even as Moses was. May we please you, and be known to you by name. In turn, LORD, may your Presence be with us and also in us. May we seek your face, and speak with you as one speaks with a friend. May we find favor with you, and receive your rest. Amen.