Today I’m sharing over at First 5 about one of my favorite topics – God’s presence with us. Here’s a preview . . .
Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 3:3-4
Habakkuk 3:3 (ESV) “God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran …His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.”
It was 4:55 p. m. when I showed up at the front desk of my oncologist’s office without an appointment. I had just started my fourth round of chemotherapy, and I had symptoms that made me think the treatment wasn’t working. I hoped to leave a message for the on-call nurse, so I was shocked when I found myself face to face with my oncologist. He was a busy physician and researcher with a family at home. And yet, when he heard I was worried, he came to check on me. He listened to my concerns, examined me and reassured me that all was well. His presence calmed my fears.
In today’s verses, Habakkuk’s prayer of praise focused on the Lord’s majestic presence. (Habakkuk 3:3-4) Teman and Mount Paran referred to the region where the Israelites camped after God delivered them from Egypt. Habakkuk’s description communicated the Truth of God’s majesty, power and deliverance. But with these two words, “God came,” Habakkuk emphasized God’s gift of His presence. (Habakkuk 3:3)
Habakkuk’s words recalled an encounter the Israelites had with God at Mount Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. (Exodus 19:16-20) God came down and made covenant promises to be with them and be their God. (Exodus 29:45-46) God could have brought them out of Egypt and then left them on their own. He could have sent one of His angels to deliver the law and point them in the direction of the promised land. But God Himself came to His people and dwelled with them. (Exodus 40:34)
You can head over to First 5 to read the entire teaching, or download the app to continue with us as we continue our study of Habakkuk.
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