King Solomon declared that there was nothing new under the sun. When I become familiar with a message there is a temptation to dismiss it, believing my knowledge of the subject is complete. However, when the Holy Spirit continues to emphasize the same topic, I need to pay heed.
Again in our Gathering this week, and during the week, the Spirit of God continues to emphasize the theme of Living in His Presence. When talking and meeting with other members of the Body of Christ, they too, are hearing the same message, even across the other side of the world!
Last week a brother came to visit, desperately seeking God under a heavy anointing. For years the Lord has mightily used him in street evangelism but he heard a quickened word some years ago regarding the Ministry of the Presence. The message burned within him more and more and brought him to the place under the hand of God, that he has a Holy Ghost desperation for it in his own life. Weeping, he prostrated himself before the Lord, declaring his lack and hunger for it. God had brought him to the place of need and recognition that the greater, Living in the Presence, far exceeds, but includes the lesser, signs and wonders.
The Ministry of the Presence, Living in the Presence and the Rest of God, manifests an enabling power that more will be accomplished, (including signs and wonders that will “follow after”), in this day because this is the dispensation of God’s final purpose and destiny for His Church.
I may have a knowledge or a doctrine of living in the Presence, but unless I have “entered in to His rest” it is not working in my life. THIS CANNOT BE FAKED! “In His presence there is fullness of joy: at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore,” Psalm 16:11
There is a power in the “rest of God” that manifests and demonstrates what the Apostle Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “….that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” A demonstration to the world!
God’s promise to Moses is still relevant and available to each of us: “My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.” Exodus 33:14 There is no strife in rest. It is my daily choice to enter in to that glorious promise as I discover the joy of KNOWING HIM more intimately, instead of just seeking his acts.
In obedience to His Father, Jesus came to this earth. Within His being He carried the Rest of God and ministered that Presence as a peace controlled being, with a demonstration of divine power in word and deed. Our Pattern Man!