“STANDING IN AWE” LESSON 180

The definition of awe is a mixed emotion of reverence, respect, dread and wonder inspired by authority, genius, great beauty, sublimity or might; the ability to stand back and be amazed. People travel thousands of miles to see the “wonders of the world” but hesitate to open the Bible long enough to discover the wonders of God. This is not to say that God’s wonders are contained within the pages of the Scripture because there is no place from which God is absent (Ps. 139:1-12). David wrote this Psalm acknowledging that God knows everything and nothing can overpower Him. David’s heart yearned as our hearts yearn today for a personal intimacy with our Creator and Savior. Most know about God but do most truly stand in awe of His majesty, knowing without a doubt that the one who created us (Ps. 139:15-16) can recreate in us a pure heart and make our spirit right again (Ps. 51:10)? De we stand amazed in the presence of Jesus Christ the King? He spoke and it happened! He commanded and it appeared! His plans will stand forever and forever we should be standing in awe of this (Ps. 33:6-11). This reverence includes church services but should not be exclusive to one or two hours of worship weekly. Wherever and however you choose to worship is not the issue. Your body is the temple of God and He goes where you go not waiting inside a building for you to visit Him at your convenience.

Take a minute to step outside and stand in amazement of God’s creation. Go ahead! This study will be waiting here on the computer when you get back. When you sit down in front of your magic machine then you can be in awe of God’s wisdom, knowledge and talent within the workings of modern tech.

Awe, reverence, worship, praise and prayer should all be combined and continuous. Too many think that reverence is something to be done quietly, praise is categorized as song services, prayer is bound within specified times, worship is thought of as the weekly sermon and awe, well sadly to say, this is seldom mentioned. Feelings to often come into play during segments of “God time”. If we are not moved emotionally we are disappointed in the songs, sermons and the prayers offered in our presence. Suggestion! Sit in awe before the Word of God whether through song, sermon or prayer. He is speaking to you in many ways! Hear His voice, enjoy His presence, forgetting yourself and the ones around you and stand amazed in His glory.

If we have a poor concept of meeting with God then our appreciation of corporate worship will be crippled. Christians should have an unveiled frankness before God so that one’s life becomes a mirror for other lives. The glory evident in Moses’ face later disappeared but in the face of a Christian shines God’s everlasting glory coming from the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. This glory is the experience of salvation in Christians being transformed into Christ’s likeness (2 Cor. 3:18, 4:6, 4:17). Paul continuously stated that the suffering, burdens and hardships were temporal and would be replaced by a glory that Peter says would never fade away (1 Pet. 5:4, 10). Now that is awesome! Jesus gave us a perfect example of communion with the Father. We come freely into God’s presence in Jesus Christ’s name through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says that He and the Father will come and make their home with us (John 14:23). However, a warning is tacked on here when Jesus said that He and the Father would not manifest themselves to those who are disobedient to His teachings.

Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-12) and answers the questions on the heart of every Jew. “Am I eligible to enter Messiah’s Kingdom”? “Am I righteous enough to qualify for entrance”? The only standard of righteousness the people knew was that laid down by the current religious leaders, the scribes and Pharisees. Would one who followed this standard be acceptable in Messiah’s Kingdom? The Sermon showed how a person who is right with God should conduct his life and applies to Jesus’ followers today. These qualities include a pure heart, clean internally, and a spiritual appetite, a continuing desire for personal righteousness. Look for God! Anticipate His presence! Expect Him to show up! Be honest and stand at the threshold (Ps. 84:10) staying away from the tents of the wicked. Fellowship with God as you would a best friend (1 John 1:3). God began a good work in each Christian and will see it to the end in spite of the person, although it would be so awesome if everyone would submit to His plan and enjoy the ride of fellowship (Phil. 1:6).

Pray this prayer with me if you will: “Father, I have failed! I have sinned! I have neglected your Word and the fellowship of your presence. Forgive me! I want to really know you, stand in awe of you, and have revival in my spirit and joy in my life. I need your help to do all these things. Wake up my spirit to the presence of your Holy Spirit living within me. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen”.

Believe that everything is possible (Mark 9:23), do not believe in God for too little and do not just LOOK like a Christian but live like one. Talk to God and give Him time to answer. You will be amazed at how much He loves you. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).