Yesterday I discussed the benefits of being in the presence of God: getting His perspective, power, peace and passion for the lost. How do we enter in? Before Jesus, one priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies (His presence) and then only once a year. They even use to tie a rope around him so that if something happened he could be dragged out without anyone else having to enter in.
After Jesus, we are not limited in time and place to audience with our God. The set up of the temple provides a type for us of entry into His presence.
Upon entry into the temple one first came upon the brazen altar. This is where sacrifice took place. It reminds us of the cross. Access to the presence of God is no longer limited to one priest, but it is for those who have been to the Cross and who are born again and are His children. When we approach His presence we should remember what Christ did and who we are because of Him.
The next item was the water basin. It reminds us of our Baptism. We should examine our selves and confess any sin before we seek the presence of our God.
The lamp stand, which comes next, is a combination of oil and flame, reminding us of the Holy Spirit. Our experience in presence of God is augmented by the Spirit.
The table of show bread is a reminder of the bread of life and our relationship with Christ. As that relationship develops our time in the presence of God becomes more meaningful and fruitful.
Right before the entrance into the holy of holies was a golden altar of incense. The rising smoke reminds us of the necessity of prayer. We don’t enter in with a prayer.
But what of practical things? We can experience God and be in His presence at any time. But some things are helpful to the experience. A quiet place is good. Quietness is rare in our lives. Turn off your phone and ipad and the television. Some worshipful music can be helpful if it transitions us from the noise of life to the quiet place where we can experience God. Some verses of scripture can be helpful, but at some point we stop reading and just listen.
The benefits of being in God’s presence make it not just a privilege to be rarely practice, but a necessity to be experienced whenever possible.
Experience His presence and be blessed to bless.
Nick
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