Are You Standing in God’s Presence
Have you been reading your Bible yet not taking the time to fully connect with your Savior? Today I want you to be equipped and prepared for your day by standing in God’s presence as you read through the Gospel of Luke.
I started the Gospel of Luke this morning and found myself identifying with Zachariah as he came into the Holy of Holies to burn incense. He didn’t do this every day. In fact, it was a privilege a priest might have only one time in his life. It was decided by lots that were cast, as was the custom with the Israelite priests.
Digging Deeper: Luke 1:1-25 (NKJV)
Key Verse: Luke 1:19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, WHO STANDS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.
This chapter begins with the story of how God answered Zachariah’s prayer. Elizabeth, his wife had never had children (a disgrace back in that day.) We will see how God will provide a miraculous answer for this elderly couple while bringing our Messiah through the son who would be born to them.
Zachariah was praying in the innermost part of the temple. The Holiest place while the people were praying on the outside.
Because Jesus rose from the dead and the veil of the Holy of Holies was torn (from top to the bottom Matthew 27:51) WE CAN ENTER INTO THE HOLIEST PLACE and pray to God. We don’t have to pray outside like the Israelite people were doing while Zachariah was praying.
Worship in Solitude Before God
Zachariah was burning incense in solitude as he offered worship to God. When suddenly:
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (Luke 1:11-13)
Standing in God’s Presence
And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, WHO STANDS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. (Luke 1:19)
Zachariah was troubled and fearful at seeing Gabriel. He was filled with disbelief at the answer God’s answer.
How often I am filled with troubles, fear, and disbelief for the provisions God gives me!!
Is this YOU too?
Try inserting your name and saying, “I am ____________, who is standing in the presence of God.”
Make your decision to stand in God’s presence solid by sharing about it below!
