Caressing The Face of God Through Intercession

Mosaic Ministries

Message Summary

This message explores the true heart of intercession, as seen in the accounts of Aaron and the Golden Calf versus Moses standing in the gap for Israel. At the heart of this teaching is not just the question of who we trust for salvation, but how deeply we long to know God—to touch His face and experience His presence.

When Moses delayed on Mount Sinai, the people lost sight of God and turned to Aaron to create a visible image of worship—the Golden Calf. Aaron’s compromised intercession led them into idolatry, reinforcing their misplaced trust in human leadership and tangible symbols rather than in God Himself. In contrast, Moses boldly interceded for Israel, refusing God’s offer to start over with him. His deep knowledge of God's heart led him to plead for God’s presence to remain with His people, culminating in a request to be known by God and to see His glory.

Moses did not settle for just knowing about God—he pressed further, saying, "Show me Your glory." He longed not just for an answer but for pure intimacy. His plea was not for power, provision, or personal affirmation, but to touch the very face of God.

Takeaways

The Danger of Looking to Man or Idols for Security

• The people saw Moses as their stability; when he was delayed, they demanded a visible substitute for God.
• The Golden Calf was a familiar image from Egypt, representing their desire for control over their worship.
• Misplaced faith in leadership or religious symbols can quickly lead to idolatry, blinding people to the invitation of intimacy with God.

Aaron’s Failed Intercession: A Substitute for True Encounter

• Aaron, instead of leading the people in truth, compromised—offering them a golden idol.
• His inaction allowed the people to fall deeper into sin, engaging in pagan worship and immorality.
• Intercession without truth enables deception; trying to appease people rather than standing for righteousness leads to destruction.

Moses' True Intercession: Reaching for God's Face

• Moses rejected personal glorification and instead pleaded for Israel, showing a heart aligned with God’s own mercy.
• His intercession was based on God’s character—He reminded God of His faithfulness, truth, and covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• He did not stop at words; he sought the fullness of God's presence—not just for himself, but for the people.
• The Hebrew text describes Moses' intercession as an intimate reaching for God's face, an expression of love and deep relationship.

The Cry to See God’s Glory

• Moses’ request, "Show me Your glory," was not for signs, wonders, or miracles—but for intimacy with God Himself.
• God responded by revealing His name and His character: compassionate, gracious, abounding in steadfast love.
• While Moses could not see God’s face fully, he came as close as was humanly possible—standing in the cleft of the rock as God passed by.

Being Known by God: The Ultimate Intimacy

• Paul echoes this theme in Galatians 4:9: “Now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God...”
• It is not enough to seek knowledge of God—we must long for the intimacy of being known by Him.
• The call of true intercession is not just pleading for others—it is a relentless pursuit of the very heart of God, seeking to touch His face and not merely His hand.

Living Out Love

• Seek God’s presence, not just His blessings—Ask Him to reveal His glory in your life, longing to touch His face.
• Stand in the gap—Intercede not just for your needs, but for others with a heart that reflects God's mercy.
• Reject compromise—Live in truth, not convenience, knowing that intercession without righteousness leads to destruction.
• Desire to be known by Him—Press into intimacy with God, just as Moses did, not content with distance.

Prayer Points

• Give us a heart to seek Your face and know You deeply.
• Help us to stand in the gap for others with boldness and truth.
• May Your presence remain with us and transform us, revealing Your glory in our lives.

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