When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinai. And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.—Exodus 34:29–35  

Introduction

Can you be friends with God? That’s precisely the premise of a new TV show called God Friended Me (which I’ve never watched nor do I recommend) that follows an atheist named Miles who has been “friended” by “God” on Facebook, and recruits him to change the lives of those around him. This is a topic that fascinates our culture, and yet the problem is that they have no understanding of who God is and how he operates in the world.

For many of us, even the question, “Can you be friends with God?” feels unusual. You might recoil at this type of language. Or when the video played, you felt uncomfortable with that terminology. Being “friends with God” feels so casual, intimate, and effortless. It feels irreverent. God is holy. God is sovereign, almighty, glorious, and infinite in his power, majesty, and authority. He’s high and lifted up. You may think, “How dare you speak as though this God is your friend?” He’s so holy, and we are so sinful, how could that gap ever be bridged?

On the other hand, there are some of you this morning that don’t think twice about that type of language. God is my friend. I grew up singing the youth group song: Jesus is a friend next to ya, Jesus is a friend so sing along, Jesus is a friend next to ya, Jesus is a friend, now sing, sing a la la-la la la-la alleluia.” Then it goes into shaking hands, and scratching backs, and squeezing knees, and so forth. Singing about Jesus as our friend becomes an icebreaker for camp or youth group. Is that OK?

So we come back to the question, “Can you be friends with God?” This question matters because how we view God affects how we talk about him to others. What we think about God has an impact and influence on our witness. Is God then high and exalted, almighty and sovereign, or is he a friend, just like another other friend we get to talk to and spend time with?

I believe that we find our answer in Exodus 34, in the passage we read this morning. This passage comes on the heels of God delivering the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, through his special messenger Moses, and they’ve come to Mount Sinai to worship and receive God’s instructions on how to live as his people. They rebel against God and against Moses in demanding a golden calf, Moses intercedes on behalf of Israel, and after God relents, Moses comes back down after 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain with two new copies of the Ten Commandments.

As we walk through this passage, I want to ask three main questions:

1. What do we learn from Moses’ shining face?
2. How does Moses’ shining face fall short?
3. What then is the lasting solution for us? 

Part 1: What do we learn from Moses’ shining face?

In our passage we see that Moses face shone with light: “Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” and “the skin of his face shone” (Exodus 33:29–30). The word for “shone” is closely related to the Hebrew word for “horn,” which is why some medieval artists depicted Moses as having horns. Michelangelo has a “Moses” sculpture that depicts him with two horns. What is actually taking place is that Moses’ face has rays of light shining from it. Moses glows and shines like a flashlight or headlamp. This causes the leaders and Aaron recoil in fear. 

Moses’ shining face is to communicate to Israel and its leaders that Moses had been in God’s presence and had spoken with him. This is confirmed early in Exodus 33:11 when Moses would enter the tent of meeting, “Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” This is profound; Moses speaks with God like a man speaks to his friend. This reveals how God relates to and communicates with Moses like a “friend.” God has been speaking with Moses.

Moses has had a tough assignment. Remember, he grew up in Egypt, ran away after killing a man after finally identifying with his suffering people, and now God sends him back at the ripe old age of 80 years old. All along the way Israel is grumbling against him. And in Exodus 32:1 this comes to a head, “When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, ‘Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’”

On the other side of Egyptian slavery, seeing that Moses is delayed, they demand a new leader. This would be like a wife that sends her husband out to the store to buy some groceries, and she waits and waits. Then she says, “Well, he’s been gone for three hours, I guess I should find a new husband.” This is essentially Israel. Not only do they cast aside Moses, but they caste aside God as well, telling Aaron to make them gods to go with them—which leads to the great sin of the golden calf.

But our passage is God reaffirming Moses’ role as deliverer and messenger. Moses’ shining face reflects the residual glory of God so that Israel would listen to him. God vindicates Moses’ role as intercessor and mediator for Israel. 

So what do we learn from Moses’ shining face?

Moses is able to speak with God “face to face” like a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). Even though no one can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20), Moses has come close. The cloud, mist, and fog keeps Moses from seeing God, but even the light and glory that gets through marks Moses so that he shines with the residual glory of God. 

Moses’ shining face reveals God’s presence, glory, and greatness. Moses’ shining face reveals the intimacy that he was able to experience with God in his presence. Moses was able to get so close that he reflects God’s glory even when he leaves.

Moses’ shining face reveals that he is God’s messenger. When Moses speaks, Israel is to listen because Moses is speaking God’s instructions and commandments, rather than his own. His shining face is God’s stamp of authenticity on Moses. 

Moses got so close, so intimate with God, that he reflected his glory. Like when you grill on the BBQ, your clothes, hair, and skin smell like smoke. Everyone knows you’ve been grilling; you carry the scent of smoke on you. With Moses, he had been talking with God, so his face reflects God’s glory.

So what we learn from Moses’ shining face is that he was able to be a friend of God, speaking to him nearly “face to face.” He had a conversation with God like a man speaks with his friend. But Moses’ face reveals that in that relationship with God, he was able to see God’s presence, glory, and greatness. But furthermore, Moses was able to experience intimacy with God, and be commissioned as his messenger to his people. 

Part 2: How does Moses’ shining face fall short?

As we come to Part 2 and ask the question of how Moses’ shining face falls short, we see a problem. The people—when they see Moses’ face—are afraid of him. They don’t want to come near. Verse 30 says, “Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” Fear.

This is the same reaction we get after God speaks to Israel at Mount Sinai in a cloud, trumpet blasts, lightning and thunder, and God descending in fire. They said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:19). And it tells us that “the people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:21). The problem is that only Moses could draw near, and everyone else was fearful. God’s glory was frightening. It was not comforting and approachable because of God’s holiness.

The people of Israel saw how their continued disobedience—in the midst of a holy God—would not be tolerated. Because the people rebelled against God, and commissioned Aaron to craft a golden calf, 3,000 people died as a consequence. It was a terrible massacre that would be a continual reminder of their disobedience and hard-heartedness.

And the book of Exodus reminds us again and again of the issue of sin. Israel experienced glorious redemption from Egypt, but still they grumbled and complained in the wilderness. They saw the most amazing display of God’s power lifted up against Pharaoh, but still they refused to listen to him and to his servant. When their sandals finally hit the sand of the wilderness, they did not trust Yahweh for food, water, or protection. Instead, they longed for enslavement again. The building of the tabernacle reveals that only once a year could the high priest enter into the inner place, behind the curtain, to make atonement for sin.

Moses’ veil is a metaphor for what is taking place. Moses takes it off when he speaks with God (v. 34), and then would command the people what God had said. But then afterward, the veil would cover his face again. God’s glory—though visible—is veiled. And God’s residual glory on Moses is fading. Israel’s hearts are unchanged. Their eyes see glory, but their hearts are still hardened to God. They do not trust in him.

One of the primary problems that Moses’ shining face illustrates is not only that the people recoil in fear, but it is the simple fact that it was only Moses would could speak with God. Only Moses could speak with God face to face. The rest of Israel needed a mediator. The rest of Israel stood far off. The rest of Israel could not draw near. 

The problem that Exodus illustrates is that though we’d like to be friends with God, God cannot tolerate sin, selfishness, idolatry, and unbelief. God is a consuming fire that will not, cannot, tolerate wickedness.

Part 3: What then is the lasting solution for us? 

What then is the lasting solution? What hope do we have if Israel, who saw all the miracles firsthand, did not listen to Yahweh and did not remain faithful? Our hope isn’t in seeing Moses’ shining face but beholding the face of one much greater than Moses: Jesus Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 3:7–18 Paul speaks about how much greater the new covenant is that came in Jesus. We don’t have time to look at all of that passage, but Paul speaks about an even greater glory that was given. His point is this: If Moses’ ministry came in glory, how much more glory comes in the ministry of Jesus? The Law came, and it was glorious—just read Exodus 19–20 to see how glorious it was—but it also brought death and condemnation (not-so-glorious effects). But Jesus’ ministry in the new covenant is so much greater in that it brought righteousness (because of Jesus’ life) and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:8–9).

It’s like a conversation I might have with one of my kids. They might be eating a brownie that was made from a box. The kind you buy at the store with all the ingredients, mix together, add oil and water, and bake. And they say, “brownies are my favorite; Dad, are brownies your favorite chocolate dessert?” And I say no. My favorite chocolate dessert is the Turtle Cake they serve at Café Latte in St. Paul: Three layers of cake with a hint of coffee flavor, each layer covered in a rich fudge, whole toasted pecans, and caramel drizzled over the top. And your child, who has never had it before says, “Is it just like this chocolate brownie?” We’ll they’re both chocolate flavored, but that’s where the similarities end. The latter is so good—so much better—that the former isn’t even worth eating anymore. I don’t want a box brownie if I can eat a slice of Turtle Cake. That’s what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:10, “What once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.” The point is this: The glory of what Moses received from God that led to his shining face pales in comparison with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the new covenant that came with the Holy Spirit that ever believer has received.

But Paul goes on to illustrate how much better this new covenant we have received truly is. Moses would put a veil over his face, and he says that Israel was veiled from seeing the glory of God because their minds were hardened. But now, we as believers have had the metaphorical veil lifted so that we are able to see Jesus for who he is. And in Christ and through the Spirit there is freedom and life.

In verse 18, Paul says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” Believers today don’t have veiled faces. We are unlike Moses who veiled his face after beholding God’s glory. Instead, we have veils off and behold the glory of the Lord by seeing and savoring the glory of Jesus Christ. We are to come and behold his glory, drink it in deeply, and delight in him. We are being made more like Christ in ongoing progressive sanctification. We are to be like Moses and long for more and more of his glory to manifest before us—not in a cloud or smoke—but in the person and work of Jesus.

So we see how Moses was a friend of God. His shining face reveals an intimate friendship: Moses was able to gaze upon God’s glory, be in his presence, and behold his greatness. But the problem is that it was only Moses, and not all of Israel—Israel’s minds and hearts were veiled. Sin of idolatry, rebellion, and fear kept them from God. But Jesus gives us something so much better today. We get a much greater glory than even what Moses gazed upon: We get the gospel of Christ. Jesus tells us in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” Jesus calls us friends.

Jesus has called you friend. For those lonely, depressed, isolated, and struggling, Jesus loves you so much to even lay down his life for you. There is no greater love. For some wondering whether life is even worth living anymore, Jesus calls you friend and chose you before the foundations of the earth. And he has given you a mission to bear fruit (John 15:12–17). Believers in the OT, and even angels themselves, are stunned that sinners such as us can be called friends of God.

And as those who have beheld the even greater glory of Jesus Christ with unveiled face, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation to a watching world. Our faces don’t literally shine with rays of light, but we are called to shine the love and truth of Jesus to a watching world. We do that in relationship with those who don’t know Christ. We do that by befriending the lost.

Application: Befriending

As we look at our befriending initiative, I want to encourage us with the truth that we have been given something so much better than even what Moses received. It can be easy sometimes to think, “If I had lived through the Exodus—seen the miracles and God’s display of power—then I’d really live differently.” Paul tells us that we’ve seen something so much better. We now live in light of Christ. We are those who have beheld an even greater glory than Moses: Jesus Christ crucified and risen again. What Moses saw was God’s glory in deliverance from slavery and the giving of the Law. But what we see is the fulfillment of that Law in the life of Christ; we see God’s rescue not from slavery, but from condemnation, sin, and death. We get to be those who see God’s glory, presence, and greatness in the saving work of Jesus. 

Pray. Utilize the prayer cards as a reminder or accountability. Let it encourage you. I’d love to look back three years from now and have someone come up to me and say, Because my neighbor, coworker, or friend prayed for me with this card, I’m now trusting in Jesus.” I have just complete and utter confidence that if we pray, God will answer.

Befriending. Look for opportunities to engage next-door neighbors, folks across the street, in the next cubicle, in the next office, in our classrooms, in our dorms, and in our communities. Pastor Vince has put forth this initiative that will have classes, trainings, and opportunities to share so that we can begin to develop and grow a greater heart for the lost. This isn’t one more thing to add to your to-do list. This is just one normal part of our discipleship, which is to make disciples of others. We are disciple making-disciples. What this means is that we’re not looking for “success” stories, but rather, regular everyday faithfulness in praying, befriending, engaging in thoughtful conversation, and planting seeds.

We all know that for many of us coming to faith in Jesus was a process. It didn’t happen right after a 40-minute sermon. It took time, pondering, events, circumstances, and so forth. So why do we think our neighbors work that way? If we think of planting a vegetable garden, we know that we need to till of the soil, clear out the rocks, fertilize it, check the soil quality, plant the seeds, water, trim, guard, against rabbits and critters, more watering, allowing the sun to do its work, and eventually, it bears fruit so that it’s ready for harvest. If you’re planting a tree, you’ll have to wait a few years until it bears fruit. So our aim is to everyday, ongoing, regular faithfulness to do the next thing. If we think of a person needing to move from A to Z to go from unbelief to faith, your job may be to move them from A to D, and someone else will move them from D to H, and so forth.

Closing

In Exodus 33, Moses asks God for more. After God has agreed to go with them, Moses says, “I want to see more. More of your glory, more of your presence, more of your power, and more of you, God.” Pastor Jason drew this out for me recently. Unfortunately, we are so often so easily satisfied. We stop short of asking God for more. Could it be that when we have not engaged with the lost, we have stopped short of asking God for more of himself. More of his love in and through us to love others. More of his power at work in our weakness. More of his presence as we cry out for the lost. More of his compassion flowing through us so that we step out in faith and boldness.

And in the new heavens and new earth, we will finally get what we have always wanted. We will see him face to face. But our mission here and now will increase our joy when we get there. We will have more joy in heaven because we were obedient to God’s call on our life here on earth. We will have more joy in heaven because we let his love, compassion, and kindness flow through us to others. We will have more joy in heaven in seeing our spiritual children worshiping alongside us; those for whom we had a part in bringing there: planting, watering, or harvesting. We will have more joy in heaven seeing our spiritual grandchildren and great grandchildren. How amazing that somehow in God’s divine plan will have had a part in reaching others for Christ. We will have more joy in heaven to see one more soul rescued out of darkness into God’s marvelous kingdom and delivered from eternal punishment of hell.

Oh Bethlehem, our aim is not only that we would sing the lyrics of our final song, I will glory in my Redeemer, who waits for me at gates of gold. And when he calls me, it will be paradise, his face forever to behold. But our aim is that there would be others, who can’t yet sing that song, who, through our everyday means to befriending, will come to be able to sing that song, and will come to know the greatest of all friends: Jesus Christ.