Face to face

Deuteronomy 34:10

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.

Moses was a man greatly to be envied, not in his accomplishments as much as in his unique relationship with God. It is greatly to be coveted. It is to be desired and striven for. It is worth all of our concentration, and every ounce of our soul’s effort-to have such communion with God. For you see! Moses was the only one who got so close to God’s glory, that he saw His “back parts.” See Exodus 33:17-23. He was placed in a clift of the rock, and the Lord vouchsafed to his eyes what no other mortal man had seen, or has seen since. Moses never saw God’s face, for no one can see the face of God and live. But he ventured closer to the presence of God, and entered deeper into the amiable beauty of the Lord than anyone else has done. There was never a prophet like him! A prophet whom the Lord knew face to face!

Now, did we not say that no man can see the face of God and live? What then does it mean, face to face? You see, this speaks of the friendship he had with the Lord. He spoke to Moses as a man speaketh unto his friend. See Exodus 33:11.No one ever had such proximity, such affinity, such closeness with God! But how I long for this! How I covet such a wonderful gift! And dear friend, we can have it! For the way has been made that we may come boldly to the throne of grace. The veil was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.We may enter into the heavenly tabernacle and find the cloudy pillar still there. The glory of the Lord can fill our minds and hearts. Oh, may we have a heart-desire and prayer towards this great prospect today.

And now, beloved, are you lacking friendships in this life where you speak face to face as a man speaks with his friend? Is there a scarcity of nearness with others? Go to the Lord! Let Him be your friend! Cultivate His love, joy, peace, and communion. Let it be your chief desire, and utmost prize. May we do all we can to gain it. Even if other things are lost, this is primary, of first importance, superseding all others. Find solace in His friendship today. Do you feel distant and disconnected from the Lord? Ask Him today to show you His glory. Do you feel a wall of obstacles intervening? Break down the wall, and cast out the obstacles. Break down every idle so that you may speak with Him face to face. One day we will see that face, but even now this communion can be cultivated. Let us not make other things more important than a close walk with the Lord. Speak to Him, this day, face to face, as a man speaks with his friend!

Here, Fanny Crosby comes to our aid once again:

Thou my everlasting portion,

More than friend or life to me,

All along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

All along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure,

Nor for fame my prayer shall be;

Gladly will I toil and suffer,

Only let me walk with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

Gladly will I toil and suffer,

Only let me walk with thee.

Lead me through the vale of shadows,

Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea:

Then the gate of life eternal,

May I enter, Lord, with thee.

Close to thee, close to thee,

Close to thee, close to thee;

Then the gate of life eternal,

May I enter, Lord, with thee.

“Father, make this, we pray, a reality for us. May nothing be of greater importance than walking with Thee and staying in Thy presence. Give us a new beginning and commence in us a deeper and stronger communion with the Lord today. We desire to speak with you as a man does with his friend, with no obstacles, barriers, or impedances between us. Bring us into the wonderful love and special grace of your dear presence, and hold us close to Thy side. We desire this, and simply ask for it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”