“And he said, I beseech thee, shew me Thy glory.” Exodus 33:18
There’s a recurrent theme that’s been playing out over the course of the past week revolving around the Glory of God. The cry of Moses in wanting to know God’s glory and ways came forth in multiple services this past weekend. It did not end there; the same heartfelt cry of Moses continued through the recently-concluded “Fast-it-Forward” prayer meetings. Is this coincidence? I think not! What does this all mean especially as we set sights on the upcoming Kingdom Invasion Conference?
Let’s think of Moses for a moment. He came to a place of knowing God – His Glory and His Ways which paved the way for him in making these attributes of God known to Israel. How does one come into this heightened level of relationship with God? Do we have that same hunger and desire? The consistent cry of desiring to know God and His Glory throughout the week is an encouraging sign. It’s a prayer that I believe God’s answering and it’s essential that we prepare ourselves accordingly. It’s not a matter to be taken lightly.
The recent rainfall in California has been an answer to many prayers due to several years of drought. The rains came and brought temporary relief to the residents, but it also resulted in considerable damage. The primary issue was a neglected and ill-prepared infrastructure that was unable to contain the outpouring. What if this happened to the Church? What if God were to pour out His Spirit and Glory to a people with a limited capacity to handle the blessing? There may well be many wonderful testimonies of salvations, healings and miracles, but will it be sustained?
I’m convinced that God’s looking to do something beyond our expectations; the tone and manner of prayer this week convinces me that this is the case. He extends an invitation for each of us to ascend the holy hill of the Lord (Is 2:2-3, Mic 4:2). It’s here where we come to know His Ways, His Laws and His Word. This is the infrastructure that will help ensure the proper facilitating of His outpouring of glory and blessing.
One of the practical examples in learning how to ascend the hill of the Lord is expressed through Peter in 2 Pet 1:5-7. He begins with the foundation of faith and then refers to seven other attributes of God that need to be added: Virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and agape love. Here’s an important truth to note – Peter begins with faith at the base and step by step ends with agape love at its peak. Let’s contrast this with a truth from Paul’s letter to Philemon.
“Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:5-6
Here we see the reverse where faith is released from a position of agape love. It’s a picture of the two great commandments in action where one’s called to love God and others with all their heart, mind and strength (Matt 22:37-40). Peter’s exhortation shows us the way to ascend the mountain; Paul’s letter demonstrates the effects of faith being released from a position of agape love. Can you see how this parallels with the experience that Moses had with God on Mount Sinai?
Moses had an abiding and sustained ministry when he came down from the mountain. He had a revelation of the ways of God and was able to be an example of God to the people (Exo 34:6). Are we hearing the consistency of what the Spirit of God has been speaking in recent weeks? A Church that functions from the position of agape love is a Church that will be characterised by true compassion; the kind of compassion where miracles, healings, salvations and breakthroughs flow.
The call to Cornerstone is to come up higher. Peter identifies the steps needed in ascending the mountain by building upon our most holy faith. Paul’s letter to Philemon showcases the fruit of faith being released from the position of agape love. It’s a beautiful picture to contemplate as we prepare for Kingdom Invasion.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love (agape) of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 1:20-22
