Here is how it works: We worship, bringing acceptable sacrifices before God, and great, invisible gates open, welcoming us into His presence. It is as if our thanksgiving and praise triggers some highly sophisticated security system, and in we go, right into the presence of God.
Sometimes, when talking about "coming into God's presence," people have objected, saying that God is omnipresent. Though it is true that God is omnipresent, He also reveals Himself in special ways in particular times and places. This is called His "manifest presence."
The biggest reason that God is looking for worshippers is that they are the ones who welcome His presence, and more than anything, He wants to dwell with us.
The other reason that God wants to find true worshippers who make room for His presence is that it is in His presence that His name can operate.
Jesus Himself said that heaven pays attention when we gather in His name and in His presence. There - in His name and in His presence - He gives us the authority to bind and to loose as we pray (Matthew 18:18-20).
Becoming a People of the Presence
When God told Moses that he could enter the Promised Land, but that He would not go with him, Moses did not take the bait. Instead, he said, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."
Moses had a conviction about the presence of God. He knew three very important truths about God's presence:
1. God's presence was more important to him than any blessing
2. God's presence attests to His pleasure in us
3. God's presence is what distinguishes His people from all others
To become a people of the presence of God, we must treasure His company, His manifest presence, as Moses did. In living to please Him, we should look for His presence in our lives. And we should be quick to search our hearts if He ever has cause to withdraw His presence from us.
Our praise opens the gates into God's presence.
No comments:
Post a Comment