Into and Out of God's Presence

Hello!  My apologies for the absence of one week.  I, along with Terry Howard, have been in Jamaica for the annual leadership conference we conduct there this time each year.  I had expected that the guest house at which we stayed would have internet, but alas the internet was down for our entire stay.  Therefore, I could not write here.  But, I home now and we're back at it. 

Exodus 23:14-25:40

When Israel came out of Egypt, God led them by a straight path down into the wilderness to a mountain.  It was the mountain on which God had met Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3).  This is Mt. Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb).  It is in this place that some of the most intense personal encounters between God and man take place, as recorded in the Old Testament.  On this mountain, God gives Moses the Ten Commandments.  He begins to unfold the law with all the inifinite details.  Amazing! 

The pattern is as follows: 
1.  Moses and some others enter God's presence.  The come into an amazing encounter.
2.  In this close proximity to God, He speaks to them.  He gives instructions.  He tells them about their future.  He warns them.  He encourages them.  HE SPEAKS.
3.  They are sent out of this presence to PERFORM.  They are sent to fulfill God's instructions.

This is a formula for us today.  First, get connected to God.  Get into a personal relationship with God -- face to face.  Next, let Him speak to you.  Then, go out into the world to LIVE OUT this relationship with God.

One verse in this passage strikes me most in this respect.  It is Exodus 24:11.  The context is an incredible "theophany."  A theophany is a physical manifestation of God.  He SHOWS UP!  Ex. 24:9-10 describes this.

Many people besides Moses saw God that day.  All the leadership of Israel "saw God."  And it says, "they ate and drank."  Wow!  They were at home in God's presence.  This is a picture of heaven.  This is also a picture of people LIVING OUT THEIR LIVES in God's presence.

I really like this.  It is supernaturally natural.  It is the highest levels of spiritual experience and relationship in the context of supper.  For this, we should all daily aspire!