To have true friends (an exchange of identity) is a great personal blessing. Let's face it, when we add up all our relationships on earth, most people can count on one hand the number of true friends who are thicker than blood. Some of the most painful experiences of life come to us through broken friendships or having those we love turn on us at the first signs of disillusionment. Friendships are often strained because God's principles regarding true friendship are ignored or simply violated. I know few friendships that keep to these principles of exchange. Moses said,

"Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent" (Ex. 33:11).

God spoke to Moses not only face-to-face, but as a man speaks to a dear friend. Now he is faced with the ultimate evidence of friendship - who will help the leader carry on the Lord's plan unto the next generation. Moses knew this friend would need to be someone who not only was loyal to him, but was blessed with the same vision and purpose - someone whom he trusted in an exchange of identity. With that, Moses questions the Lord with this matter.

"Then Moses said to the LORD, 'See, You say to me, "Bring up this people!" But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, "I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight"'" (Ex. 33:12).

You would think Moses would be able to look in front of him and see the answer - Joshua being in the tent and refusing to leave Moses' side as he wrestled with this question. Many times we are blinded by our own struggles, which block us from the obvious solutions. Right there in the midst of Moses was his closest friend - his servant, Joshua. But Moses' struggle was much deeper. He wanted to make sure he had the favor of his greatest friend, the Lord Himself. He becomes so bold, that he asks the Lord to show Himself (please read (Ex. 33:17-23).

Moses learned quickly that no man would be able to see the face of God before Christ, Himself, was delivered to the earth and returned to God. So what does God do? ... read more here