21 Days 2020 | Day 15 | Sign of the Kingdom – God’s Presence

SCRIPTURE –––––– Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being. DEVOTIONAL –––––– From the beginning, God established a precedent by walking in the garden daily with Adam and Eve. We were all made to walk with and experience God’s presence as a natural, every day part of our lives. This is in our DNA. God actually created us to depend on Him and His presence — even partner with him in our decision-making processes. Jesus emphasized the importance of this when He said, “I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does” (John 5:19). Jesus went even further when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) We are to draw on God’s word and His presence… like we draw each breath. Did you know that many scholars believe that the name Yahweh could not be spoken at all — only breathed. Many are convinced that its correct pronunciation is an attempt to replicate and imitate the very sound of inhalation and exhalation. Therefore, the one thing we do every moment of our lives is to speak the name of God.* What is it in the heart of God to want to draw so near to us that He gave Himself a name that we can’t help but speak every moment we’re alive? All of us, always, everywhere, waking, sleeping, with the name of God on our lips. ** Of all the scriptures in the Bible, one of the saddest is when Adam said to God, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Gen 3:10) Adam heard God, but his response was fear. He was naked (unclothed, unprotected, and vulnerable), so he hid. When we feel fear and when we feel vulnerable, do we run to God’s presence or away from it? God called out to man and said, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9). Thankfully He is still calling out to all of us today. Why is it so important to be in God’s presence? Because God’s presence changes everything! We become what we behold. The presence of God brings release to the captives, healing for what’s broken, and freedom for the oppressed. It’s not our striving or straining — not our performance or working harder at being better. No, it is God’s presence that changes and transforms us. REFLECTION –––––– “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) What part of you is hiding from God’s presence? What part of you willingly runs to God? PRAYER –––––– God, I know there are parts of my heart that hide from you, even hide from myself. Thank you for being so patient and kind with me. Thank you for calling me by name. Teach me how to run to you, even when I am afraid. * Richard Rohr ** Jason Gray