A Close Encounter with God
Exodus 33:9-11 (ESV)
“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
The Bible is filled with examples of men and women since the very beginning of creation having a close encounter with God. Adam and Eve had a close and personal fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden. Enoch walked so closely with God that he was raptured up to heaven. Noah was given explicit instructions directly from God. Abraham personally received miraculous promises from God. Jacob actually wrestled with a heavenly being sent by God. Moses spoke with God as closely as he would speak with a friend. For every person mentioned in Scripture who encountered God, the result was a life changing experience not only for each individual, but for all of mankind.
A close encounter with God is still possible today. It is not, however, the same as what was experienced by those mentioned in the Old Testament. It is by far better. The close personal relationship with God that Adam and Eve experienced only existed while they were in Eden. Their choice to reject God’s love separated them from enjoying an intimate fellowship with God.
It was God’s love and His desire to fellowship with us that provided a way to restore the broken relationship. God’s eternal Son Jesus has provided the means by which we may have the same close personal relationship that Adam and Eve once had. Those who have accepted Jesus as the only way to God has His Spirit living in them. Now it is possible to have a close encounter with God whenever we want. He is as close as your next prayer.
This week, think about the tremendous gift God has offered to everyone and what that gift entitles all who accept. Intimate fellowship with God is what we can receive now with eternity in heaven as our future.