Preparing for His Presence

Preparing for His Presence

This teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, centers on the crucial topic of actively preparing for and cultivating God's presence in our lives, both individually and as a community. The speaker begins by sharing a personal journey that involved growing up in the church, walking away during college, and eventually returning to the Lord with a renewed focus on the Hebraic roots of his faith and a deep yearning for God's presence. This personal narrative underscores the idea that while knowledge of scripture and tradition is valuable, it is the real and tangible presence of God that brings true transformation and purpose.

God's Desire to Dwell Among Us

The teaching emphasizes that God has always desired to be intimately involved in the lives of His people. Referencing Exodus 25:1-2 and 25:8, it highlights God's command to the children of Israel to bring offerings and build a sanctuary, a tabernacle, so that He might dwell among them. This act was not just about constructing a physical structure but about creating a space where God could be Emmanuel – God with us – walking among them and being a part of their daily lives. The speaker poses a pertinent question: are we, as individuals and as a community, actively making ourselves a sanctuary where God feels comfortable to dwell? He suggests that merely going through religious motions without a genuine expectation and preparation for God's presence falls short of God's desire.

The Pattern in the Heavens and the Role of the Holy Spirit

The instruction to build the tabernacle according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mount (Exodus 25:9, 25:40) is significant. Hebrews 8:1-2 further elaborates on this, describing the earthly sanctuary as a shadow of the true tabernacle in the heavens. Interestingly, Exodus 31:2-6 highlights that the artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab, ordinary people, were filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish the intricate work of the tabernacle. This illustrates that the Holy Spirit empowers believers not just for grand prophetic roles but for the practical tasks of building God's kingdom and creating an atmosphere conducive to His presence. The Spirit provides the necessary revelation and ability to follow the divine pattern. The speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is given to us to accomplish God's work on earth, to preach the gospel, and to set the captives free.

The Tabernacle, the Temple, and Our Role Today

Drawing a parallel between the tabernacle and the temple, the teaching asserts that these physical structures were meaningful only because of God's presence within them. Without God's glory, the tabernacle is merely a tent, and the temple just a pile of stones. Today, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, preparing for God's presence is not limited to communal gatherings but begins with the individual making their heart a receptive dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Just as the Israelites brought willing offerings for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 35:20-22), every believer has gifts and a role to play in building God's house today. A willing heart to serve, whether in visible or less visible ways, contributes to an environment where God's presence can be manifest.

The Significance of Preparation

The speaker underscores the importance of intentional preparation for encountering God's presence. Just as the cloud filled the tabernacle after all the work was completed (Exodus 40:34-35) and the glory of the Lord filled the temple when Solomon finished his work (1 Kings 8:10-11), our preparation lays the groundwork for God to move in our midst. This preparation involves both the physical and the spiritual. In the context of observing the Sabbath, Friday is traditionally known as preparation day, a time to handle chores and prepare for rest. However, the teaching extends this concept to our spiritual lives, asking how we are preparing our hearts to encounter the King of Glory.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are presented as vital disciplines for preparing for God's presence. The speaker shares his personal experience of neglecting these practices after gaining knowledge of Torah and realizing the emptiness that followed. He emphasizes that consistent prayer, including intercession for others, pastors, and the community, and intentional fasting, even from things like technology, cultivates a deeper hunger for God and creates an atmosphere where He can show up. Drawing from James 4:2, he reminds listeners that they often "have not because they ask not" and encourages them to actively seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit through prayer.

The Nature of Convocations (Mikra)

Leviticus 23:3 describes the seventh day as a Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation (Mikra). The Hebrew word "Mikra" signifies a reading, a calling together, a public meeting, and a rehearsal. It involves the community coming together for a special purpose. The root word "Kara" has two meanings: to call out, recite, proclaim, and to meet or encounter. Thus, convocations, including the Sabbath, are times for proclaiming God's seasons and for intentionally seeking an encounter with Him. The speaker cautions against merely going through the motions of religious gatherings without a genuine desire to meet with God. He emphasizes that the purpose of these appointed times is to encounter the King of Glory and receive rest for our souls.

Practical Application for Everyday Life:

• Prioritize daily prayer and fasting, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire for more of God.
• Cultivate a heart of service within your community. Recognize that every believer has a part to play in creating an atmosphere where God's presence can be felt.
• Intentionally prepare for communal gatherings, such as Sabbath services, not just physically but also spiritually.
• Throughout the week, engage in practices that draw you closer to God, such as reading the Bible, listening to anointed worship music, and meditating on His Word.
• Be open and receptive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Do not be afraid or attempt to control manifestations of the Spirit when God's presence becomes tangible.
• Recognize that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and strive to live in a way that honors God throughout the week.
• Step out in boldness when God prompts you to minister to others. Do not allow fear or unbelief to cause you to shrink back from opportunities to pray for healing, share the gospel, or encourage others.
• Focus on the presence of God as the source of true uniqueness and power, rather than on external religious markers alone.

In conclusion, the teaching passionately calls believers to move beyond mere religious observance and to actively cultivate an environment, both individually and corporately, where God's presence can be experienced in a tangible and transformative way. It emphasizes the necessity of prayer, fasting, service, and a deep hunger for God, reminding us that He desires to dwell among us and empower us through His Holy Spirit.

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