“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter»(Hebrews 1 1:24).
He belonged to a poor working-class family and nothing could take them out of poverty. He came from a family of slaves in one of the most powerful empires in the history of mankind. But unlike his brothers, he was in a privileged situation: he had been adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. In such a condition, Moses had what many would wish for. Speaking of wealth, he had the possibility of living in magnificent and luxurious palaces embellished with gold and precious stones. As for his social position, as the Egyptian monarch’s nephew, he had the possibility of acceding to the throne someday. When it came to entertainment and pleasures, there was nothing in the world that could have stopped him from enjoying them.
However, Moses refused each of these privileges. Something better than the riches, pleasures, or power thrilled his heart. What could surpass the wealth of the Egyptians? What could be better than enjoying all their pleasures? What could be better than having a prominent position?
Moses wanted God’s presence in his life more than anything in the world. He longed for His companionship in such a way that, at one point, he begged «If your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here» (Exod. 33:15). Moses demanded God’s promised presence that brought rest and peace to his heart (v. 14), and his request was granted because «The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend» (v. 11).
Once God’s presence was assured, the prophet dared to make a final request. «Then he said, ‘Please, show me your glory » (v. 18). It was then that when he received the greatest manifestation of God’s mercy, righteousness, and might. God did not fully reveal Himself to Moses when He protected him against the plagues of Egypt, or when He cleared a path in the middle of the sea, or when He operated the greatest miracles. It was rather during a friendly conversation, in the silence of the desert that God displayed all His goodness (v. 19).
Because God’s presence fills the soul with joy (Acts 2:28), we invite you today to search for God in a quiet place. Talk to Him, like you do with a friend. You will see that His presence will fill your heart with joy, while even the most valuable human aspirations become worthless.