Aaron and Miriam rebelled against their brother Moses; they used his choice of a wife as a smokescreen for their envy of the authority given to him by God (Num. 12:1, 2). In response, the Lord declared Moses to be faithful in His house (Num. 12:7), saying of him, “With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold” (Num. 12:8a).

Moses desired to be close to God and he was. Exodus 33:11 says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” He beseeched God, “Show me thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). The famous epithet is repeated after his death: “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” (Deut. 34:10).

Differences certainly exist between ourselves and Moses. God has not called us to reveal the law or do the same miraculous feats he did. Yet, we should desire to be close to God as Moses was. You are as close to God as you desire to be. James 4:8 exhorts: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Moses was often seen in prayer interceding for Israel (Ex. 32:11-13; Num. 14:13-19) and petitioning God for blessings on their behalf (Num. 10:35, 36; Duet. 1:11; 33:1-29). One of the blessings of being close to God and living a righteous life is that our prayers are effective (James 5:16). God listens with favor to those who listen to Him. Those who disregard God do not have this privilege (Prov. 28:9). “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12). There is a world of difference between those who seek God’s face (Psa. 24:6) and those whom the Lord’s face is against because of their evil (Psa. 34:15-17).

We are encouraged ask, seek, and knock at the gate of our Father in heaven (Mt. 7:7-11). Some don’t pray. They don’t receive certain blessings from God because they do not ask (Jas. 4:2). If we love God, we will want to talk to Him often; our prayers will unceasingly arise to His throne (1 Thess. 5:17, 18).

Because of his closeness to God, Moses was able to be meek in his response to wrong done to him (Num. 12:3). He had confidence that the Lord would work righteousness and left the matter with Aaron and Miriam in God’s hands; Moses did not have to avenge himself, instead he prayed to God on Miriam’s behalf (Num. 12). When I am close to God, I can more easily let Him take care of attacks against me. The ultimate example of this is Jesus, who prayed for the forgiveness of those crucifying Him (Lk. 23:34).

What a blessing it is to be close to God, to be a friend of God! Tremendous power and peace are available for us to deal with the burdens of life when we are close to God. We should follow the example of Moses spending time seeking God’s face. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:5-7.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -Mark Day