Eodus 24:12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.”

God does call us to come close to Him. Sometimes the direction seems up, as in Moses going up the mountain, but sometimes the direction seems down, when He calls us to greater humility and participation in the sufferings of Christ. However, even the seeming downward call actually leads us up, because drawing closer to God lifts us out of ourselves. The point is to be focused on God whatever the circumstances, because when we will do that, He will meet with us. The Bible is filled with encouragement and admonition to do so, from David (1 Chronicles 28:9) to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:13) to Paul (Philippians 3:13-14). When we draw close to God, we need to remember that it is not just for ourselves, but for others as well. God called Moses in this instance to give him the tablets of the Law that he was to teach the Israelites, so that they could in turn teach succeeding generations. Sometimes the revelations He gives us are for our benefit alone, as when Paul experienced heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), but even there he was transformed by the experience, which made him better able to minister to others. Obedience to God and drawing close to Him is never a selfish activity.

The more I draw close to God, the more I want others to experience the same joy and blessings, and it is a frustration and sorrow that so few seem to accept the invitation. I am speaking today on how this is at the core of being a disciple, and I need God’s anointing to really get it across. I tell people we are created for fellowship with God, and it seems to sail right over their heads. That’s why anointed worship services are so important, because they give most people their first taste of the Presence of God. Thankfully, that taste is addictive! I need to nurture anointed worship, and I need to help the people believe that God who meets them in group worship will also meet with them in private, intimate times with Him. There is no better antidote to and protection from the filth of the world than intimacy with God.

Father, thank You for the time of fellowship I just had with You as I drove around to pray for the churches of Omura this morning. Help me not take such things for granted, but value intimacy with You as I should. Thank You again for the message You’ve given me for this morning. May I indeed be an open pipe for that to flow undistorted and unhindered to each one who hears. I ask for ears to hear for each one who will be listening physically, that they may hear more than my voice, but rather Your invitation to draw close in intimate discipleship. And Lord, give them faith and courage to say yes to Your invitation, for their blessing and Yours. Thank You. Hallelujah!