The presence of God
In one form or another we all have certain expectations around a particular experience of God in the context of nature or communal worship. For the Christian, Jesus is central to having a living and personal relationship with God Almighty. It is a mystery, yet one which can be experienced in a very personal and real way.
The Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity inspires and motivates us. Our expectations and experiences of God can be realised in ways that truly transform and empower our daily lives.
Where are you?
In Genesis 3 we read of the early encounters between God as creator in paradise and Adam and Eve the created. After the events of ‘The fall’ we hear those penetrating words in verse 9 spoken to Adam, “Where are you?” Such a question may be asked of us as we consider whether or not we know or have known the personal presence of God and how that relates to our walk with Him.
Pause for a moment and reflect on how you have experienced God’s presence over the years.
- Within your family tradition you may have been christened, dedicated or confirmed in the Christian faith.
- Within your family you have no tradition or understanding of a personal faith in God.
- You have ‘grown up’ and moved away from your childhood Christian teaching and you claim to have no personal faith or have embraced another faith or philosophical based tradition.
- In the life experiences you have faced you have come to believe in a personal God and have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Here I am
In Exodus 3 we read of an unexpected experience of Moses in the desert. He was busy caring for the flock of Jethro, his father in law, near to Horeb the mountain of God. God’s presence appeared to Moses as an angel of the Lord and exampled in the flames of a fire that continually burned in a nearby bush.
What a shock it much have been for Moses when he approached the bush and heard the voice of the Lord calling his name. Moses responded by saying “Here I am.” The Lord told Moses to take off his sandals for the place where he was standing was holy ground.
The Lord in his compassion tells Moses that he understands the plight of the Israelites and wants to rescue them from Egypt and take them to a promised land. God had chosen Moses to be part of that plan and with his help, as the great “I Am,” it was fulfilled.
Where have you been?
In Luke 2 we read of the planned, miraculous and expected birth of Jesus. We also get a sense of the unease of his parents Joseph and Mary as they witnessed many unexpected life situations. Jesus represented the presence of God the Father and the Spirit in human form which is totally unique compared to other world religions and philosophies. Humble shepherds and angels acknowledged Jesus’s birth and Mary treasured all her expected and unexpected experiences with Jesus and saw him grow in the grace and goodness of God.
Joseph and Mary travelled to Jerusalem, as custom expected, to present Jesus at the Feast of the Passover when he was twelve years old. When travelling home Mary and Joseph realised that Jesus was not with them and thought he was with the travelling group alongside them. After three days of Jesus being absent they found him in the temple courts listening and asking questions to the teachers who were amazed at his understanding and answers.
Mary was understandable upset with Jesus but he reassured her that it was to be expected that he would be in the presence of his heavenly Father. Mary and Joseph would have had their own expectations of the God they worshipped. Yet right from the conception of Jesus until his death they were surprised with all the experiences they witnessed.
Where are you God?
In many life situations we say, “Where are you God?” How can we experience and maintain such a personal relationship with God Almighty?
- Do we find the presence of God exclusively in a church or temple?
- Is it by doing ‘good deeds’ or giving money and time to those in need around us?
- Is it by being very religious in how we live according to certain customs and laws?
- Each one is important but the old gospel message still holds true today as in years gone by.
God revealed himself to Adam, Eve, Moses and countless others. Jesus is our gateway to forgiveness and acceptance before a Holy God expected or unexpected.
Draw near to each other!
In the book of James 4 v 9 we read that as we draw near to God he will and can draw near to us. God has his own special and unique way to reveal his presence to us which will radically change every aspect of our lives and those we live with.
May we experience a personal presence of God expected or unexpected. As we hear the call “Where are you?” may we respond “Here I am?” and also draw near to each other in faith, love and trust.
Enjoy this worship song Waymaker as you think of where God may be found?
Selah
Graham
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