How should we respond to God's presence as seen in Numbers 16:43? Setting the Stage • Numbers 16:43: “Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD said to Moses,” • God’s glory has visibly descended; rebellion is in the camp. • Two men—Moses and Aaron—step forward, not backward. What Their Example Teaches Us • Approach, don’t retreat – They move toward the Tent where God’s glory is manifest. – Hebrews 4:16: “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • Recognize literal holiness – Exodus 3:5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” – God’s presence is not symbolic; it is factual and demands respect. • Listen for instruction – “The LORD said to Moses”—revelation follows reverent approach. – John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Respond with Reverent Boldness • Boldness anchored in covenant, not arrogance. • James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • We come because He invites; we bow because He is holy. Respond with Humble Submission • Moses and Aaron await orders, not negotiate terms. • Psalm 95:6: “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” • True worship blends confidence with lowliness. Respond with Intercessory Love • Moses and Aaron will soon stand “between the living and the dead” (Numbers 16:48). • Exodus 32:11—Moses pleads for Israel; the pattern repeats. • When God’s presence exposes sin, we pray for others, not merely protect ourselves. Respond with Immediate Obedience • No delay, no committee—God speaks, they act. • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Obedience is the clearest evidence that we have truly encountered Him. Respond with Healthy Fear • Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Awe guards us from casual familiarity and fuels careful devotion. • Isaiah 6:5 shows the prophet undone before glory—yet commissioned. Putting It into Practice Today • Draw near daily—set deliberate times to seek His face. • Cultivate awe—ponder passages that reveal His majesty. • Practice swift obedience—act on Scripture before the moment cools. • Intercede for the rebellious—stand in prayer for those resisting God. • Maintain holiness—1 Peter 1:15-16 urges that those who meet a holy God must live holy lives. |
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