Photo Credit: Massimo Faccini
WHAT IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD?
The presence of God is the source of hope, of joy, of peace, of kindness, goodness and strength. For His presence embodies LOVE.
…But the absence of the glory of God, the goodness of God, the love of God, the presence of God is Hell, whether on earth or in eternity; where God is completely separated, no longer present, completely removed.
Perhaps this is the reason Jesus Christ cried out in anguish before His death on the cross when He discovered the presence of His Father fleeing from Him and abandoning Him. Forsaking Him because of the penalty of sin He bore for you and I, leaving Him for the first time, without the presence of God.
Jesus screamed in anguish, “MY GOD! MY GOD! WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME??” Why have You abandoned me? Why have You deserted me? Why have You left me? Why? And just like that, the Prince of Peace left this earth, and descended into depths of Hell, an eternal place separated from God, paying the full penalty for the hands of sinners. The hands of you and I.
Oh what a dark time it was for those who intimately walked with, talked with, and followed the presence of God in the Person of Jesus Christ. Oh how hopeless their current reality must have been, knowing that the source of all HOPE was gone.
Good Friday, the day that the Prince of Life was taken away from us, is a reminder to us, not only of what Jesus had done for us, but also a reminder of what it is like when the presence of God LEAVES the earth. A picture of when all hope has vanished. The Earth left with disparity, anguish and desperation.
BUT WAIT………..
Hope soon will return. This time presenting itself as Everlasting, putting an end to death in anyone who believes, three days from now, in the Resurrection.
And while we wait, I urge you to take this time and reflect. Reflect and imagine all hope, peace, love and joy being snatched away from your lives directly…..for an eternity. For this is the reality of the time in-between the death of Christ and His Resurrection. And this is the reality for many who will never be resurrected in this life, but will pass in an eternity separated from God, who is the source of LIFE, because they did not believe.
Do You Believe? Will You Believe? Repent and start a relationship with the Risen Savior today, lasting through eternity. Repent and be FILLED with His Presence today!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Rom 10: 9-10.
Blessings to you!
