God’s presence
Exodus 33:12~23 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (18~19)
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #452 O, to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer (#505 in previous version)
Moses knew that the greatest grace of all was the blessing of Immanuel of God being with us. There is an old saying that states that it is better to be wise than brave, that it is better to be virtuous than wise, and that it is better to be blessed by heaven than be virtuous. Even unbelievers know the blessing of heaven; we who are children of God must not lose hold of this. The life of tasting God’s presence is the truly happy life.
1. Life of knowing the mystery of salvation
The darkness, chaos, and void of Genesis 1:2 has been completely solved by the light of Genesis 1:3. Only the light can solve the problem of darkness; the one who came as the light to our personal problems is Jesus Christ. Through deception, Satan stole the blessings that God had originally given to mankind. However, God promised that the Offspring of woman will solve this problem, and the Christ who died on the cross and resurrected completed this covenant. If you believe in Jesus Christ and receive salvation, then you become a child of God. The identity as a child of God is the most important of all mysteries of salvation. The greatest gift we received as children of God is the Holy Spirit. We can enjoy God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come upon all those who have received salvation, and God has given them the grace to realize and know God’s plan.
2. How to taste God’s presence
The most important method of living your life of faith is following the Word. Furthermore, you need to be able to wait and refrain from moving when the Word has not been given to you. This is not waiting vaguely or lazily, but waiting as you look upon the Word like Moses’ prayer, “Teach me your ways.” This refers to knowing God who answers, and looking upon Him with anticipation. Experiencing the fact that the Creator God is in you through the Word and is minutely guiding your life and field is most important in the life of faith. It is God’s ways to set apart His people among all peoples, show them His glory, and provide them with grace. The best prayer that a person of God who knows this fact can pray is, “Let me know You.” At that time, God will provide the grace of hiding our souls in the cleft of the rock and protecting us when we walk through danger.
- Tasting God’s presence in the midst of today’s Word and prayer is the greatest authority children of God must enjoy. Meditate on the Word and deeply enjoy the blessing of salvation.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2010.5.30