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What kind of relationship does God actually want to have with us?

The Bible uses many images to describe how God relates to us as a father, a friend, a spouse, and a king.

Today, Tim Keller takes a closer look at one of these dimensions of God and how it helps us see the depths of his grace and love more clearly.

We're going to read the scripture reading. It's a long scripture, and it's about friendship. And because of the

friendship between Moses and God, there's a dialogue in the middle of it, and so we're going to read

this long piece in a dialogical way. Shell and I will read it with you together. Exodus chapter 33,

verse 7, all the way to 34, verse 8. Now Moses used to take a tent and pit it outside the camp some distance away,

calling it the tent of meeting. Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting

outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the

entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.

As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance

while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance

to the tent, they all stood and worshipped each at the entrance to his tent. The Lord would speak to Moses

face to face as a man speaks with his

friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but as young aide, Joshua's son of none, did not leave

the tent. Moses said to the Lord, you have been telling me, lead these people, but you have not

let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, I know you by name,

and you have found favor with me. If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you

and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people. The Lord replied,

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Then Moses said to him, if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

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