Are you affected by God’s glory and majesty? I am not talking about the word, effected, but the word affected.
Here’s a definition in case you get the two mixed up like I often do:
acted upon; influenced
speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
moved(p): being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion; “too moved to speak”; “very touched by the stranger’s kindness”
So, now that we have that all cleared up, I’ll ask again. Are you moved, excited, impressed, or emotional about the Glory of God and His presence around you? Take a look at chapter 9 and see how the Israelites were affected.
22-24 Aaron lifted his hands over the people and blessed them. Having completed the rituals of the Absolution-Offering, the Whole-Burnt-Offering, and the Peace-Offering, he came down from the Altar. Moses and Aaron entered the Tent of Meeting. When they came out they blessed the people and the Glory of God appeared to all the people. Fire blazed out from God and consumed the Whole-Burnt-Offering and the fat pieces on the Altar. When all the people saw it happen they cheered loudly and then fell down, bowing in reverence. (The Message)
The Glory of God appeared-they actually saw a manifestation of God presence and it was a blazing fire. It must have been one awesome fire like none they have ever seen before! How did they react: cheered loudly and bowed down in reverence.
God’s shows us His Glory in so many ways. It may not be as obvious as a big bonfire, so we have to be on the look out for it. If we ask Him to open our eyes to see it, I can assure you that the Lord will blow your mind. It might be in a strong emotion you get while worshipping. It could be that He speaks to you in your heart, or through someone else. It could be that He leads you to a certain Bible verse that speaks of His greatness and power. It could also be in a miracle or answer to prayer. So many ways, we just have to be open to recognizing it.
But, we can’t just stop there. We must do as the Israelites did and praise the Lord for showing us His glory.
Matthew Henry speaks to this point quite interestingly:
They received it with the highest joy; triumphing in the assurance given them that they had God nigh unto them. And with the lowest reverence; humbly adoring the majesty of that God, who vouchsafed thus to manifest himself to them. That is a sinful fear of God, which drives us from him; a gracious fear makes us bow before him.
Humbly adoring the majesty, I love that phrase. Humbly in that we know He is far greater than us and that is a good thing! Adoring: gazing upon His majesty. Dwelling on Him, meditating on the different adjectives that describe His power and greatness. Praising OUT LOUD. Bowing down in completely reverence. These are all powerful ways to respond when we are affected by the Glory of God.
Allow yourself to be affected. Don’t let pride or the distractions of the world make you miss seeing your incredible LORD.