Contributor: Folashade Morakinyo
INTRODUCTION
Since the last two weeks, we have been learning about God’s divine faithfulness. Last week, the focus was on the sub topic: “promotion comes from God,” and why and how God promotes. Today, we will dig further to shed some light on what happens in God’s presence.
From the very beginning of mankind, God has desired for us to be in His presence (fellowship with man). In fact, that was the purpose for which man was created. God would come in the cool of the day to have fellowship with Adam (Gen. 1:26-30). Man enjoyed God’s presence regularly until the deceiver crept in and man had to hide, moving away from God’s presence (Gen. 3:1-6). Having fallen from that level of grace through disobedience, since then, man has to be more intentional if we want the warmth of fellowship and to be in God’s presence (Gen. 3:8). Why is this? God cannot behold iniquity/unrighteousness (Isaiah 59:1-2). Therefore, we must submit ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable (Rom. 12:1-2). May the Lord give us further understanding as we study today, in Jesus’ name.
Where is the Presence of God?
Presence is the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.
• God as Omnipresent (Psalms 139:7-8) - He created the whole world, the heavens, the earth, andother planets; He is everywhere - we can see His works.
• He resides in Heaven - He operates, exists, and has His throne in heaven (Rev. 4:2-3, Deut. 26:15,Isaiah 57:15); this is where His administration is. There, we are close to seeing Him in His form(Rev. 21:10).
• He is Spirit; therefore, He has the liberty to live inside anyone who believes in Him and has acceptedthe work of salvation that Jesus did (Romans 8:11, Colossians 1:27) - in the person of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we have His abilities, His greatness, and enjoy His goodness.
•God’s presence as a time of fellowship - personally, with family, in a group, and in the church.
Attributes of those who embody the presence of God
This section addresses the question: Who embodies the presence of God, or how can I be a carrier of God’s presence? (Gen. 39:1-3, Ps. 1:1-3).
• Joseph was a carrier of God’s presence: Gen.39:2-9: The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man.
• David was a carrier of God’s presence 1 Samuel 18:14: David succeeded in all he did because theLord was with him. 1 Samuel 23:4-5, 10-11; 1 Samuel 30:8-9; 2 Samuel 5:17-21: David constantlysought the Lord for strength, strategy, instructions, and victories. 2 Samuel 2:4; 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51; Psalm 32: When David fell, he demonstrated true repentance and sought to restore his relationship with God.
• Moses was a carrier of God’s presence: Joshua 1:17: Moses led with God's guidance and presence. Numbers 12:3: Moses was known for his meekness. Exodus 33:11, 18-20: Moses sought God'spresence and guidance directly and intimately.
Blessings/fruits/Blessedness of carrying the presence of God
God is the Creator, He is Light, He is the Way. We cannot be carriers of God’s presence without our lives reflecting His abilities. There are fruits attached to carrying God’s presence: Pro. 3:33, Ps. 5:12, Pro. 10:6, Pro. 28:20, Pro. 12:2, Ps. 75:6-7, Job. 17:9, II Chr. 26:3-5, II Chr. 31:20-2.
Potiphar was blessed because the presence of a righteous man in his house focused God's attention on his estate. Meanwhile, Joseph obtained God's blessings in the form of favor and rapid promotion because he carried the presence of God. If we all are carriers of God’s presence, He will surely bless us because of His faithfulness (Psalm 37:23-40).
God’s Presence is Reciprocal
It is important that we remember that God’s Presence is Reciprocal. And that we can cultivate His presence.
James 4:8a: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you"
John 14:23: "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
CONCLUSION
A place is called the presence of God because God is already there. The invitation to God’s presence is for all; God desires this, which is why He created us in the first place. As we do away with sins that easily beset us and come boldly to His throne/presence, every aspect of our lives will bear fruit. God’s presence is reciprocal—meaning blessedness. "Abide in me, and I will abide in you. Just as the branch cannot produce fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me" (John 15:4).
Prayer: Father, take away anything hindering me from Your presence.
