Why Follow Jesus - 10. To Enjoy God's Presence

Welcome to Van Life Devotions! Today, I want to share a reason to follow Jesus, starting with a reflection on what it's like to be in the presence of someone great. For me, that person was Barry McMurtrie, a pastor I deeply admired. He led Australia’s largest Church of Christ in Wollongong and later built a mega church in California. When I met him, he was kind, encouraging, and made me feel valued. He mentored me when he lived in Southport and I preached at his Glen Innes Church, and although he passed away in 2024, I’m thankful for his impact on my life.

Followers of Jesus can experience the presence of God and let me tell you, it is a beautiful and special experience.

I want to explain from the Bible what the presence of God is all about. God loves His people that He dwell with them. He is not a god watching us from a distance. He is present with His people.

Theologians refer to the presence of God as omnipresence which means He is present everywhere. And while He is everywhere, God is here. While not contradictory, there is a difference between saying “God is everywhere,” and saying, “God is here.” When the Bible talks about God as being here, it is mostly always meant dwelling in people, by His Holy Spirit.

When God created the world, God dwelled personally with Adam and Eve, but this close relationship was broken by sin. Afterward, God’s presence became more distant, revealed only to select individuals.

Then the Bible says that God revealed Himself to all Israel at Mount Sinai with thunder, fire, and smoke, but the people, afraid, choose Moses to mediate (Exodus 19). Because they would not approach Him, God comes to them by building a tabernacle (Exodus 40), where His presence would dwell but only priests could enter His presence (Leviticus 9).

Four centuries later, God’s presence fills Solomon’s Temple, again marked by wind and fire (1 Kings 8). Still, His presence is confined to one place and a select few. But the prophets look ahead with hope where God’s presence through His Spirit and come on all believers (Joel 2:28).

In the New Testament section of the Bible, God does something new - He comes to dwell among His people in the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV), The word “dwelling” literally means “to pitch a tent”, just like the Israelite tabernacle. Jesus is the very presence of God in human form.

Just prior to Jesus ascending to heaven, He told His followers that His presence with them will continue when the Holy Spirit comes. This promise was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came on 120 believers with the signs of wind and fire just like at Mount Sinai, but this time resting on each believer (Acts 2). For the first time, God’s presence dwells in all His people, not just leaders and priests.

Believers are now a part of a new temple, with Jesus as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–22). The Bible emphasizes this saying that “we are God’s temple” and “His Spirit lives in us” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

While the Spirit of God empowers believers, there are times when God’s presence is extra special. Many say that they experience a deep joy and peace that transcends their understanding. The Bible says, “in your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalms 16:11 ESV). It is a beautiful experience. How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit and experience His presence? The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8 ESV).

How do you draw near to God? Trust and obey. Trust in faith that Jesus is God’s Son who saved you on the cross. And follow Jesus as Lord by obeying His teachings.

Why be a follower of Jesus? To enjoy God’s presence.

I invite you to pray this prayer with me:

Father God.

I am sorry that I am a sinner.

Thank you for forgiving me.

Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so

I may enjoy Your presence.

Enable me to put my trust in You and

to obey Your teachings.

In Jesus’ name

Amen

David Moyes