Entering the Very Presence of God

Exodus 28 The Priestly Garments

34-35 “The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.”
What on earth is this all about? What a palaver – I mean – what a way to get dressed up. Yet notice with me please six little words “so that he will not die” This is all about being properly prepared to face the Lord your God. This is about being in an acceptable condition to be in His presence. After all, His full Name is The Lord God Almighty – Creator of Heaven and Earth.

In the days of Moses and Aaron, great reverence was given to Gods Name let alone His presence. With good cause too - look what happened to Uzzah in
1 Chronicles 13:8-10 (NIV)
“David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets. When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.”

With this sort of background information, what makes us think we are good enough to enter Gods presence. Oh I know – we can enter His presence because of what Jesus did for us at Calvary. How very glib. How distinctly convenient for us! Who on earth do we think we are to enter into His wonderful presence with so much dirt on our hands – most of us. And don’t let that last remark make you feel clean cos, like me, you’re not clean !!

What a privilege to enter into the very presence of the living God. Remember what His Word says in Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Do you really think you can enter into His presence with your shortfalling almost a contempt for His Omnipotence and Holiness. Get real with yourself – please.

We need far greater personal holiness before we can enter His presence without fear. If He enters our meetings – that’s a different situation altogether. In that case He decides to ignore all of our shortfalls. When we enter into His presence however, we would do very well to remember just who He is and where we are !! I do not choose to nominate any particular shortfall on your behalf – that is an issue between you and the Lord – and no-one else unless it involves giving or asking to receive forgiveness. Simply ask the Holy Spirit to help you – it’s the main reason Jesus sent Him to us – as our Divine Helper.

Lord grant us to know what it is you require of us in order to be even a little holier than we are today. In Jesus Name we ask it. AMEN