Dear Family,
Today is Sunday, April 24, 2022. This Day 1 of Week 2. It is 8thDay of Count to Pentecost.
As the ancient Israelites moved further and further into the desert wilderness toward Mt. Sinai, the presence of God was always present in two very noticeable manifestations, the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. They provided a physical PROOF. One would think that God’s presence in these clear and obvious forms would be very comforting and reassuring to the people God had just delivered.
Psalm 140:13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.
Surely all of God’s chosen people would be thankful for such apparent on-going care and concern with God’s presence clearly dwelling among them. One would think so. Right?
However, as we go through the story of the wanderings of Israel, who was constantly overshadowed by God’s presence, we find some very unthankful reactions. And, we find such negative reactions to God’s presence by other well-known Bible figures as well. For example, consider how Adam and Even reacted to God’s presence.
Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Is the different reaction to God’s presence reasonable? We may find the reaction of Adam and Eve to God to be understandable since they had just defied God’s direct instructions. Clearly, not everyone is pleased to be with God at all times. Humans can find many reasons to resist God or try to hide from Him.
Yet, the Holy Bible indicates the kind of approach to God’s presence that people will have when they actively search for God’s “path of life,” when they want to please God, when they want to be upright and righteous, and when they seek His instructions, and strive to follow God diligently. Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Our reaction to God’s presence truly depends on clear choices we make. Walking on God’s “path of life” and being able to enjoy pleasures forevermore will go hand in hand. It’s THE BEST outcome!
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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