Exodus 34: 29, 34-35   “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord… But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, ³⁵ they saw that his face was radiant”.

My friend Hugh fought the battle against cancer for years.   His life was one that reflected the presence of God.   In the sermon at Hugh’s Service of Tributes Rev. Jermaine Gibson left us with three points about the presence of God that not only reflected Hugh’s life but are instructive for ours. 

Firstly in the presence of the Lord change takes place.  Moses was invited by God to have conversation with him, to encounter God to get the plans to guide the people.  Moses’ countenance changed because he was spending time with God.  When Moses exited God’s presence his face was shining/radiant.  He himself at first did not even know that his face was shining.  There is no greater presence than the presence of God as He knows exactly what to say and what to do.  When we encounter God and spend time in his presence, there is something transforming, renewing and assuring about being in His presence.  Have we spent time in the presence of God?  Have we been changed?  If we are still the same then we need to spend time with the Lord learning from Him so that we can be changed.

Secondly, in the presence of the Lord we are summoned to obedience and action.  God’s people are to live in obedience and in purpose. When we are in God’s presence we leave with strict instructions knowing what we ought to do.  Moses did not stay there but had to leave to lead God’s people to God’s transformation. God is always inviting us to partner with Him as He leads us to action.  Have we moved from presence to obedience and action?  What has the Lord been calling you to do?  Have you acted yet?

Thirdly, in the presence of the Lord, God puts his imprint on us and seals us with His mark, so that others will see. We cannot leave God’s presence the way we came. People know that we have been in the presence of the Lord as His imprint is reflected on us.  We cannot hide. God expects us to reflect His presence wherever we go.  Look at Peter when Jesus was in the courtyard, three sets of people came to him and said to him you have been with Jesus.  Do we have the Lord’s imprint on us?  Can others see Jesus in us? Are we one day Christians ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would those around us be surprised that we are called by the name of Christ?

PRAYER

Lord I repent that I have not spend time in your presence, I have not obeyed and acted on your instructions and people have to struggle to see your imprint in me.  Forgive and cleanse me with the Fire of Your presence.  Teach me to live in Your Presence and make me shine with Your light in me so that Your mark can beam from me into the dark world.