Dear ones,
It’s only been two weeks, but social distancing is wearing on the soul. Even the introverts among us are longing for more human interaction. It’s brought home what we always knew - “It’s not good for the man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). We thrive in the presence of others. It’s one of the reasons Hosea 11:9 caught my attention. God describes himself not just as “the Holy One,” but as “the Holy One among you.” He’s calling attention not just to his character, but to his presence.
The presence of God is one of the major storylines of the Bible. We were created to enjoy his presence, but sin cuts us off. When Adam and Eve hear God walking in the garden in Gen. 3, they hide, knowing that to be sinful in God’s presence is to die. And yet, God does not destroy them. Judgment is rendered; death will reign. But mercy is extended. They no longer have God's visible presence, but a promise is spoken (Gen 3:15), and through that word, God's saving presence is introduced.
As the story unfolds, God's saving presence is central to his people's safety in a world under God's curse. Noah and his family are kept safe in the ark, a floating temple (Gen 6:16; 7:2,16). God tells Abraham, "I am your shield" (Gen 15:1). At Mt Sinai, God tells Moses, "You've seen... how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself" (Ex. 19:4), and then gives instructions for a Tabernacle "so that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:8).
But like Adam, Israel rebels in the desert and God declares that he will not go with them into the Promised Land, lest he destroy them (Ex 33:3). But Moses intercedes and God is gracious: "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." His presence will distinguish them among the nations (Ex 33:14-16).
From then on, God's people are protected by God's presence, symbolized first by the Tabernacle and then by the Temple. This is why the destruction of the Temple at the fall of Jerusalem was so traumatic. It’s not that they lost their building for worship services. It represented the departure of God (Ezk. 10-11). The judgment of Exodus 33 had finally fallen. Even when the temple was rebuilt, God’s presence was not there. God's glory did not descend as it had on Solomon's temple (Ez. 6:16-22).
And so it remained - God's people without God's presence - until Jesus appeared and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) Through his presence he accomplished our salvation. And through the Holy Spirit he continues to protect his people. "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mat 28:20).
In this season of social distancing, God is not distant. His presence is our peace and our protection. We’re used to experiencing that corporately as we gather. We feel it's absence, and no longer take it for granted. But though we cannot meet, we are not alone. God is still present with us in his Word (Heb 1:2; 4:12-13). Are you spending time with him there? He is present in our prayers (Rev. 8:4). Are you making more time for him there?He is present through the Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). Are you walking with him there?
The Triune God is present in the life of the believer. He will hold us fast. He will keep us safe for eternity. He will be with us always, just as promised. In the fearful insecurity and anxiety of these days, you have not been left as an orphan, alone in a cruel world. Your Savior is "the Holy One among you." Lean into him, because it's in his presence that we find our rest.
Stay safe in his presence.
Your pastor,
Michael