It is the classic conversation. God to man . . . man to God. It has the feel of an encounter similar to that of Jacob when he wrestled with the Lord, when he refused to let go without a blessing . . . when he had “striven with God” and prevailed (Gen. 32:22-31). But for Moses, his “wrestling match” didn’t involve a physical dust up but a “Friend to friend” discussion . . . and didn’t result in any bones being permanently displaced, rather ending up with one who had found favor knowing greater favor found.

Context (Ex. 32:1-33:11) . . . Moses on mountain . . . people getting antsy . . . poof! . . . golden calf . . . idol worship . . . God’s wrath roused . . . Moses intercedes . . . God relents . . . God says, “Go to the land I’ve promised you. I’ll send an angel before you. But I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people” . . . not good enough for Moses . . . start the dialogue.

Moses is not satisfied to move forward with a God who is distant and so, leveraging his “face to face” access to the Lord (33:11) he says, “If I have found favor in Your sight, show me Your ways that I may know You in order to find favor in Your sight” (33:13). Moses wanted more . . . he wanted the favor he had already found to be multiplied. He wanted that favor to open the door to knowing in greater depth the ways of His God in order that He might continue to find favor in His sight. Nothing stagnant about this relationship. Favor can beget more favor if there is a pursuit for the ways of God, if there is a thirst for knowing God . . . not just knowing about Him, but actually knowing Him . . . “let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD” (Jer. 9:24).

And it doesn’t stop there with Moses. God promises His presence will go with Moses and the people (33:14) . . . and Moses says, “Yeah!!! If Your presence isn’t with us then what’s the point of going on? How will it be known I have found favor in your sight if You are not with me? Is it not your Presence which makes your people distinct from all others?” (33:15-16). The presence of God . . . that’s what makes God’s people His people. And so, the favor found in being called by name, becomes the favor of knowing Him, becomes the favor of His ever-abiding presence. This is favor found . . . but, for Moses, he sought greater favor.

God, You know my name? Thank You. You’ll make Your ways known to me so that I may know You? I bless You. Your presence will go with me and I will know rest? Praise be to You, God. But one more thing, Lord . . . if I have found favor in Your sight . . . “Please show me Your glory!” (33:18)

Oh, how I love this guy! He is Oliver to the nth degree, “Please Sir, I want some more.” Or, perhaps better said by the songwriter, “Fill my cup, Lord . . . I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.” He had found favor . . . but would not be satisfied until greater favor was found . . . until He saw the glory of God. He knew communion with God . . . He was promised to be shown the ways of God . . . He was promised the presence of God . . . and it created a thirst for the glory of God.

And I can’t help but think this should be the “normal Christian life”. That those who have been shown the grace of God should want to more deeply know the God of grace. That those who have been instructed in the way of God would desire to encounter the God of the Way. That those who have found favor would seek first the kingdom of God that they might know favor found. Favor found in the glory of God. Favor found for the glory of God.