Good Good Life

Conversation between God and Moses as recorded in Exodus 33 is quite extraordinary. It shows us God in a way that we don’t perhaps always see Him. 

In society, but also among Christians, we tend to stereotypically think of God as an angry policeman, especially when it comes to the Old Testament times, even though there is no such thing as God of Old and God of New Testaments. He is always the same. 

In fact, it is in the Old Testament books that we read of individuals’ one-to-one conversations with God and in which He seems so ‘human’. 

This conversation between Moses and God recorded in Exodus 33 is one of them.

What is so different about it?

1. Moses simply talked

“One day Moses said to the Lord”.

Moses simply spoke. To a friend. He didn’t need to plead with Him or say special prayers. He already had a relationship with God so he just shared His thoughts. We all have or can have personal relationship with God and can just talk to Him.

After Jesus’ coming and the Holy Spirit being poured on us, we can also simply say things to God. He doesn’t only speak to His chosen ones, but He speaks to everyone everywhere. We don’t need wise words, set prayers or a special posture, we can just say it. 

2. They knew each other 

When reading Exodus 33, you can see that God knew Moses and Moses knew God. They spoke often and were familiar with each other. They were friends. 

This kind of conversation don’t come out of nowhere. You don’t walk up to a stranger on a street and start talking to them like they were your old friend. 

The same goes for God – you need to know Him, you need to cultivate relationship with Him. 

God is waiting for us to come and to be with Him. We wants to be close to us. That’s why He sent Jesus and allowed Him to die painful death and then resurrected Him. All because He wants a relationship with us. 

3. Moses said what was in his heart

No sugar coating, no going around – Moses spoke openly about his feelings, concerns and worries.

God wants our honesty and openness. Not because He doesn’t know our hearts and minds but because He knows that such attitude is better for us. He wants us to be honest with Him and with ourselves so we can cross mental boundaries in our minds and hearts.

4. God listened to Moses

God didn’t interrupt Moses. He listened and He considered what Moses had shared with Him. He responded and and re-assured Moses. He wasn’t angry with Him for speaking his mind. He responded to His request. And He will respond to ours – it might be different to the response Moses got but He will never ignore you.

This conversation is beautiful and it’s such a ‘human’ description of God. He is approachable. He wants to hear from us. He wants to bless us and give us what we need.

But it doesn’t happen just like that – we need to come to Him for a relationship first. This kind of conversation might not happen if you’re neglecting your time with God, going against His will. They’ll happen when you’re close to Him.

If you don’t know God in that capacity or don’t know how you can have a relationship with Him, ask Him. Be open and honest. And you can find more helpful information here.

Has this conversation between Moses and God surprise you? How do you talk to God? Share your thoughts in comments.