Do You Enjoy a Friendship with Jesus?

October 31, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land,” Deuteronomy 34:10-11

Moses would have never chosen or imagined himself to be the leader of the Israelites. He was an adopted child of Pharaoh’s daughter, an Israelite living apart from his people, and then a shepherd in the fields of Midian. Each of these experiences worked together in God’s providence to prepare Moses for the unique and powerful calling God had on his life. Initially, Moses resisted God’s call and plan due to his sense of inadequacy. Yet, as he surrendered to the Lord and allowed the Lord to work in him and through him, he not only fulfilled his call but enjoyed an intimacy with God.

That relationship began with God’s revelation to Moses through the burning bush. It continued as Moses listened to God, obeyed him, and allowed God to do mighty works through him. Moses learned to trust the Lord for provision, guidance, and wisdom to lead the nation of Israel. While Moses enjoyed much success and power throughout his forty years in leadership, he never looked to himself or applauded himself. Moses knew it was God working in him and through him. Obedience was the key to Moses’ success.

Moses’ obedience to the Lord not only was the key to Moses’ great leadership but also to his unique and special relationship to the Lord. Just as Moses would have never chosen or imagined his calling, this scripture says, “Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10). Nowhere else in the Old Testament writings do you read those words about God knowing a man or woman face to face.

Until Jesus -- Jesus was face to face with many men, women, and children. Throughout his earthly ministry, he invited all people into an intimate relationship with him and his Father: “You are my friends if you do what I command you. 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” (John 15:14-15). Jesus invites you to be his friend, to talk to him, walk with him, know him, and be known by him. What greater privilege exists than to be called a friend of God?

The key to friendship with God today is the same as it was for Moses – obedience. When you listen to him, follow him, and allow him to work in and through you, you experience joy and power as well as intimacy.

Reflection:

Have you embraced the Lord’s invitation to enjoy a unique and special relationship with him? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resources:

Awaken the awe and the wonder of Advent! “The King Is Coming” is a 4-week Advent devotional especially written with a child’s heart in mind. It takes families through the salvation story by focusing on who God is, the gift of Jesus, and the importance of celebrating and sharing that miraculous gift! Bring your family together this Advent season for a journey exploring God’s big love for you.

To see our complete collection of Advent resources, click here.