Day 72: In His Presence

Day 72
Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 25:31-46

We see quite a contrast in the way God portrays Himself in our readings today. Leviticus shows us how formal of an occasion it was to come into God's presence, as we read that Aaron had to do all of these things to be presentable. In fact, if he failed to come into the Lord's presence in the way described, he would be killed. (See Exodus 28:43)
It was quite a sacred privilege to be the priest who entered God's presence on behalf of the people, but also a very serious role in the Old Testament times.

When Jesus died for us, however, these formalities and rules were wiped away. I still believe we are to be in awe and respect for our King, as we prepare ourselves to be in His presence, but we no longer have to work through a priest or depend on someone else to come to Him for us. We can meet God wherever we are. The only preparation is having an open heart to hear His words and directions. In fact, He tells us to come boldly before His throne. (Hebrews 4:16) 

On the other end of the spectrum from what we read in Leviticus, we read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus says that He is the "least of these", and we are to serve Him through serving them. This would seem to indicate that Christ is present when you help the least of these. I know that there is great blessing in helping others, and you truly experience God's hand at work. We can truly get to know God and His heart when we serve and see the humility it takes to do for others. We are to come into His presence with humility and openness, but we can come to Him anywhere we are.

We have different eyes on when we see God in the least of these as well. We see Him in humbling ways, rather than great and powerful ways. The cool thing about our God is that He is all of these. He is humble. He is mighty. He is powerful. The dynamics of experiencing our God is awe-inspiring and unfathomable. Coming into His presence is intimate and vast. He meets you where you are and hears your prayers.When was the last time you came into the powerful presence of your God? Feel His blessing as you bless others. Feel His power as you experience His sovereign hand at work in your life. Experience God in dynamic and mighty ways! Be open to His presence in your life and in your trials. He is there, showing you the way. All you have to do is ask and seek.