Experiencing God's Presence #279

There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.

Deuteronomy 34:10

Moses was the first and greatest prophet to meet with God face-to-face, though other prophets, like Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel, would later see visions of the Holy One. Moses foretold another Prophet who would come from within Israel one day, and he instructed the people to listen to Him—the same instruction that a voice from heaven spoke when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain (Matthew 17:5). Jesus knew the Father face-to-face, and many have known Jesus, the Lord of glory, face-to-face. Since the era of Moses, God has issued repeated invitations to know Him deeply and personally.

How do you respond when you hear of someone having this kind of relationship with God? Do you assume it’s an exception or see it as an invitation? Does “face-to-face” seem like a once-in-a-Testament phenomenon or a prototype for a new creation? When we see this possibility fulfilled in Moses and others, and then long to pursue it for ourselves, God seems to set the potential for our relationship with Him at a much higher level. He gladly opens doors into His Presence for those who boldly believe they can enter.

Ask God what “face-to-face” means with Him, and don’t rule out any possibilities. Never look to the experiences of those around you as a standard; let others’ experiences motivate you, if they will, but never let them lower your expectations. There is no “normal” with God. Seek the exceptional, and boldly enter where He leads.

Father, I don’t want an average experience with You. I want “face-to-face.” Show me how I can have it and let me not miss any open doors.

From the book