21 Days of Prayer for RevivalIsampula

DAY 2: THE PRESENCE OF GOD

WEEK 1: PERSONAL REVIVAL

It looked like the failure of Adam and Eve had closed the door to deep human intimacy with God. Ejected from the Garden, people were forced to make their own way. Sure, God would still speak and guide, but it was more as a wise teacher than an intimate friend. But this was not the whole story. In the Old Testament, we find occasional characters who were incredibly close to God. Oh, not everyone by any means. These companions of God stand out. One of them was Moses.

Ex. 33:11 says, “The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” At one point, Moses asked God, “show me your glory” (Ex. 33:18). Well, he got his wish and experienced the lost intimacy, beauty and glory of the Garden. He was so full of this glory that all his followers could see it.

Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35

Devotion

I wonder what Moses looked like after spending time with God. His appearance changed so much that people were afraid to come too close to him. But Moses’ radiant face was merely a symbol of the beauty, power and holiness of God that rubbed off on him as he talked with God, his friend. He was transformed by the presence of God and his followers could plainly see it.

But, inevitably the radiance faded. Moses set up a special tent where he would go to meet with God. Between these intimate conversations, he found that God’s presence slowly faded away in his life. That is why he wore a veil (2 Cor. 3:13). He did not want people to see that he no longer reflected God’s glory as much, that the radiance was disappearing.

There are at least two truths that are reflected in this narrative. The first is that the presence of God is both possible and transformative. If Moses could be a friend of God, so can we. We are children and heirs of God, which is even better. As we spend time with our friend, it makes a huge difference in our lives. We live better. We believe better. We love better. We lead better. This is personal revival. God’s presence and glory filling our lives. And it will show.

The second truth is that God’s presence fades. The grubbiness of our world rubs off on us. Our tendency to live independently increases. The attraction of sin grows. And so the glory of God in our lives dwindles. Fortunately, we do not need to head off to a tent to meet with God. But we do need to intentionally live in his presence or God’s reviving glory will wane.

Prayer Response

Lord, may I be a Moses who is so filled with your glory that other people notice you in my life. I really do want to be transformed by your presence so please give me strength to live close to your heart. Right now may your presence fill me as I talk with you, my friend.

Prayer for Revival

There are many people in our community looking for hope and reality. They don’t know it yet, but they are searching for you. Please unify your church and fill us with your presence so that our community may see your grace and goodness and power and love through us.