Proximity

My wife and I went to a chamber concert this last week in Georgetown. It consisted of 2 violins, a viola, and a cello playing arrangements of Christmas carols and some classical pieces written for the holidays. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as they are incredibly talented musicians and the music was wonderfully written and arranged. I noticed that each of the musicians, while looking presentable, actually revealed their exceptional glory when their hands made movements over their instruments. There was a combination of their visual, physical, and spiritual/musical expressions that portrayed each one’s exceptional glory. For us to have encountered this wonderful performance, though, it required discovery of the event, gaining access to the theater, and going there where our seats enhanced our reception of each note. We went to the early performance, after which there was another that we completely missed out on because we were no longer within hearing proximity of their virtuosity. The experience of that evening required our drawing near to where the instruments would be played and then giving them our fixed attention throughout.

There was a special invitation given to some shepherds on the hill. It came from a choir of angels that were impressive in their glorious singing, but the purpose of their presence was for these specially chosen ones to personally experience the glory of the newborn Messiah. They discovered the stall as described, but it was in drawing near to that precious scene that they were among the few that would know Him in the glory of His infancy. As much of a glory as there was in His appearance, though, there was another revelation of His true power and anointing that would come for those who were there when His glory was revealed in miracles, signs, and wonders. While He was on earth, it was by a personal encounter with Him that the blessing of His glory was received as He went all over the countryside, healing, delivering, and teaching. When the veil that restricted access to the Holy of Holies was torn at His crucifixion, though, a way was made for His glory to be known by all who would only draw near to Him by the blood He shed. There is an experience of Him that is powerful and life-transforming for each one who comes close to where He is and becomes fixated on what He is saying and doing.

Notes

Proximity effects:

• Frequencies
• Clarity
• Visual
• Radiation

Just the radiance of His glory – terrifying.

Luke 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

“Glory” – the demonstration of miracle-working power/ability.

John 2:11 (NLT) 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

In Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, direct access was provided to God’s glory.

Because of His preparing us, we have direct access to His presence.

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT) 19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Coming close to God creates distance from the world.

James 4:8-10 (NLT) 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

When we draw near, we behold and become His glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Become a demonstration of His glory in power and love.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) 14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.