TEACHING FOR HGM ON 19 APRIL 16

Notes from Home Group Meeting (without margin notes) on 19 April 16

 

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-32

TEXT: "And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock." (Exodus 33:21)

 

  I. CLOSER TO GOD GREATER THE REVELATION

       A. There is always a place for revelation. About a half century ago the song writer Cleland B. McAfee penned, "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God." There is a place for such a revelation of rest that it changes the life. The children of Israel did not move toward this place, near the heart of God. Their history portrays them moving more away from God than toward God. Here at Sinai they withdrew from God. But Moses came toward God.

      B. In our approach toward God, we first, see and know very little. We do not know of the existence of a place near His heart. When we do learn of it, we do not see, perceive or understand it. "So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (Exodus 20:21) In out progressive revelation in God we constantly move toward the unknown. Some believers today are just like most of the those people under Moses' command, afraid of the unknown.  

      C. The unknown is usually the place to which God calls one for revelation and impartation. The unknown is a place where you meet very few people. But it is the place of greater and clearer revelation. It is the place near God where He talks with man face to face. It is the place where visions and dreams are laid aside for more direct communication.

      D. It is there the picture of the shield and banner fade. There He is seen to be that which natural things cannot portray. In that place there is no symbolism nor parable. Face to face with God of the universe!! Communication there is in the realm of the spirit, not in words of many language. Almost nothing of this high realm can be explained.

     E. In the darkness, God reaches down to pull a few up, beyond the known. I cannot explain any further as to how it takes place and what it is. It transcends the knowledge of man. "There is a place by Me," God said, "And you shall stand upon a rock."

     F. The standing upon the rock is very significant in the context. The need of a rock or stability underneath us is necessary. Without it God would not give such intensive revelation as He gave to Moses. Far less revelation than Moses had has swept away to ruin more than one preacher or teacher. Even revelation which can be expressed in language was taken by some as carried into paths of error. We need something unmovable under our feet. "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand."

    G. The solidity and immutability of the Word of God is certainly a rock upon which one can stand. "The words of His hands are verity and justice; All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever; And are done in truth and uprightness." (Psalm 111:7-8) There is somewhat of an echo of this in the words of Paul; "I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand." (I Corinthians 15:1)

 

II. PASSAGE OF DANGER

    A. There is a rock. God will provide. "So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. (Exodus 33:22) God will continually shield us from and sustain us in the dangers present in the glory of high revelation and impartation

    B. Peter was exposed to dangers in the manifestations on the mountain of transfiguration. If he had his way, that would have been headquarters, with Moses and Elijah sharing the headship with Jesus. (Luke 9:33) But God protected Peter from himself by redirecting him. (verses 34-36) Peter saw this tremendous manifestation with his natural senses. Even on that high level there is danger and a need for protection. How much greater the danger and need for protection on the higher level of seeing with the spiritual senses.

    C. One of the greatest dangers in revelation and manifestation is presumption. Peter presumed! Presumption is based upon a lack of the awareness of certain things, or not seeing the "big picture." That is, one does not usually consider that which he does not know. Revelation and manifestation, in themselves become a directive to certain people. A person can easily be misled by this, since the whole picture is rarely, if ever revealed.

    D. This is why we must depend upon the leading of the One Who knows all. When Peter saw all that glory and manifestation, he thought he was seeing the whole. That was the most he had ever seen. It was so great and glorious, that there was no thought in Peter that could be something more to this than meets the eyes. Thus, the danger of presumption.

 

III. PARTING THOUGHTS

    A. Not many escape the danger of lofty heights. Not many individuals can ascend the Mount of God and handle it all perfectly the rest of their lives. Moses failed. He struck the rock in presumption, instead of speaking to it as God ordered. But, God called him His friend! King Uzziah found lofty heights in God, only to lift up his heart (to become presumptuous) and fail (II Chronicles 26:5,16-21)

    B. Although it is difficult to maintain a lofty level in God, it is not impossible. For with God all things are possible.