As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. (Psalm 68:2-3)
I find it fascinating that what scatters one group unites another. By that I mean, the Presence of God can strike fear into those who oppose Him, causing their hearts to melt within them, and at the same time, encourage and inspire those who love Him. When the Angel of God positioned Himself between the Egyptians and Israel, it plunged Pharaoh’s armies into darkness but provided light for the Hebrews (Exodus 14:19-20). Seeing this awesome display, the Egyptians said “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:25). When all was said and done, Egypt was destroyed and Israel rejoiced with song.
It is a fact that anything or anyone unclean can not long abide in the Presence of God. The overwhelming weight of His holiness causes the unholy to become uneasy and nervous. In some cases, it gets far worse: for example, when the Ark of the Covenant was in Ashdod, the Philistines were stricken with a grievous plague that provoked them to send the Ark away. And so it is that, when faced with the Presence of the Almighty, the wicked quickly become aware of their corruption and the precariousness of their situation and thus look for an escape. This is why, when hearing the Word of God causes someone to come under conviction, that person becomes uncomfortable and starts squirming in their seat, looking to make a break for the door.
What is a source of fear and trembling for those who don’t serve Him is, at the same time, a source of joy for those who love Him. Rather than being chased off, the people of God are inspired by the Presence of God and run to Him. The ark that was sent away by the Philistines was eventually returned to Jerusalem with great celebration. David led a procession of singing and dancing on this momentous occasion, the king himself dancing before the Lord with all his might.
So, how is it that the Presence of God can provoke such a different response in men? Because one chooses to resist His sovereignty and the other chooses to submit. One chooses to go his own way while the other chooses to live His way. Speaking to this issue, Messiah said those who humble themselves will be broken; but those who proudly resist Him will be crushed. In the words of David, the wicked will perish at the Presence of God but those who love and serve Him will be glad and rejoice exceedingly in His Presence.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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