In His Presence!

God’s people did not always enjoy the idea of being in His presence. (i.e. Exodus 19:16) However, God, in His desire to be INTIMATELY KNOWN by His people, His presence in their midst was symbolized by the tabernacle and then by the temple in Jerusalem. That closeness with God’s people today is now represented by God’s dwelling with us by His Spirit. ( 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 4:13)

Continuing in our look at Psalm 100, we read…
“ENTER HIS GATES with thanksgiving, AND HIS COURTS with praise! GIVE THANKS TO HIM; BLESS HIS NAME!” ( Psalm 100:4 ESV)

For the Jews, a means was provided to approach God to offer their sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise. They were to enter the gates and on into the courts, drawing near to the temple where God’s presence was symbolized in their midst. Through the priests the sacrifices were offered and thanks was to be given to God and His Name was to be exalted and blessed.

There is a picture of INTIMACY here. It is seen in the drawing near to God and in blessing His Name. God was to be KNOWN and acknowledged by Name. His Name could only be blessed if He was INTIMATELY KNOWN.

Because of Jesus, our great High Priest, we can have great confidence in approaching God’s throne of grace. ( Hebrews 4:14-16) As we worship, we come into God’s presence and to KNOW HIM is to do so with thanksgiving. We should seek to maintain such a relationship with God that we rejoice to be in His presence. We can also give thanks for the extent the way has been opened up for us.

The Hebrew writer encouraged…
“(19) Therefore, brothers, since we have CONFIDENCE TO ENTER THE HOLY PLACES by the blood of Jesus, (20) by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, (21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, (22) LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART IN FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” ( Hebrews 10:19-22 ESV)

Since the way has been opened through the blood of Jesus, let us continually draw near to God with confidence, giving thanks to Him and blessing His Name for providing a means of entrance into His glorious presence. May the manner in which we live our daily lives also reveal how INTIMATELY we know God and how thankful we are to live in nearness to Him.

Have a great day KNOWING THE NEARNESS OF GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Presence