Do you have the assurance of God’s presence in your life? Did you know that the very presence of God is a gift to believers? Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high.
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Acts 1:2-9
God’s gift to believers is His very presence. Of all of the treasures in the world, the greatest treasure (and greatest gift anyone could possibly give or receive) is God Himself.
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
Joel 2:28
John said that it is by the very presence of God that we know that He is with us.
This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of his Spirit.
1 John 4:13
The presence of God can comfort us, guide us, and even empower us. It was for this purpose that the Spirit was sent.
Note that Jesus (the “baptizer in the Holy Spirit”) did not send the Spirit and “pour it out” until after His ascension on high. Why? Because God was doing a new thing. He couldn’t do the “new thing” and pour out the Spirit until He had first performed a ceremony in Heaven to purify the altar. “Purification” is a principle that is taught in the Old Testament. (Lev 16:18) Jesus first fulfilled the Old Testament requirements (follow link here) of a pure and perfect offering (with His own blood). Then, upon ascending to Heaven, was able to complete a ceremony in Heaven.
It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Hebrews 9:23
After performing the Heavenly ceremonies, Jesus is now able to purify the earthly vessels of His presence. Jesus is able to pour out the Holy Spirit upon believers of all kinds.
This ongoing presence of God through His Spirit is an ongoing affirmation by God of His approval. This occurs on Earth with God (the Spirit) affirming our relationship with the Godhead, while Jesus in Heaven advocates for us before the Father and affirms our relationship as well.
Just like God’s holy presence with the Israelites as they crossed the desert on their way to the promised land, God is with His followers today.
Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.
Nehemiah 9:19
Are you facing a challenge today? Do you have the assurance of God’s presence as you face your challenge? As a believer, you do not have to face your challenge alone.
God told Joshua, as he entered the promised land:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
When doing the work of the Lord, you need to do your part. You need to be strong and courageous, but you do not have to face the challenges alone. God will go with you to face the challenges He has led you to. Every believer is given a measure of the Holy Spirit, but there is a second blessing, after the new birth, in which the promise of the Father is kept. A fullness of the Spirit can be experienced and enjoyed. If you want this infilling, seek it. Jesus said that if you seek you will find.
As believers doing the work of the Lord, we would do well to remember Jesus’ words in the great commission:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
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