God's Friend

We are coming to the close of a study on Exodus at my church.   The study includes a workbook with questions for us to think about, answer and discuss.  One of the questions struck a chord in me, actually two because they are related to each other.  The first question was "Describe the relationship between Moses and the Lord."  And the second, "How has Moses gained the Lord's pleasure so much that his request to see God is granted?"

The answer came to me in the form of another Bible verse.  John 15:14-15  You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves.  Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me.

Jesus said obedience makes us friends with Him.  Moses became God's friend and found God's favor because He obeyed.  I think I see a common thread here, from Old Testament to New.

Obedience does not mean I will be perfect all the time.  Moses wasn't perfect.  When the Lord told him to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the Israelites, in anger and frustration Moses instead struck the rock twice. (*Numbers 20:1-12)  The Apostles Jesus was speaking to in John 15 were not perfect either.  They dealt with issues like pride, fear, and greed.  Yet the Lord called all of these friend.

I've noticed this week, as I've striven to be obedient to the Lord's command of  ceasing my complaining, I've been rewarded with more peace, and more of an awareness of His presence.  I feel like God's friend instead of walking around feeling like His enemy.   Have I been perfect in this? Of course not....when I get off track I feel the gentle tug of the Holy Spirit to change complaints to thanksgiving.  This friend of God things seems to flow from an obedient heart, not a perfect performance.  Wow, what a beautiful gift from the Lord this revelation has been.

Lord, thank You.  Please continue to create in me a heart and a desire towards obeying and pleasing You.  I pray that each of us will join in with Moses in asking, "If it is true that You look favorable on me, let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favor." (Exodus 33:13a)  Help us to be more and more obedient.   Amen.

*Numbers 20:1-12  In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.
There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock?  Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”   Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle,where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”   So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord.  Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.  But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”