In November 2011, a football stadium filled with more than 100,000 fans went silent. In the middle of the field, prior to the game, both university teams were kneeling with heads bowed. In the middle of the crowd, an assistant coach—a believer in Jesus—lifted his voice in prayer for several minutes. What was going on? The home team had faced the firing of their head coach and some other university officials that week due to scandal. A former assistant coach had been accused of molesting many boys while serving at the university, and the cover-up had lasted for years . . . until that week.
Where do people go when they encounter sin and pain? In this case, they took a knee. With heads bowed, they listened as a man acknowledged God’s power and healing ways.
When it was time for God to institute the priesthood of Israel, He called forth Aaron and his sons to serve (Leviticus 8:2-3). Before all the people at the entrance of the Tabernacle, Moses held an ordination ceremony. Then he and Aaron offered a sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offering to God (Leviticus 9:2-4).
Aaron raised his hands and blessed the people (Leviticus 9:22). And after he and Moses had entered the Tabernacle and returned, “the glory of the Lord appeared to the whole community” (Leviticus 9:23). “Fire blazed from the Lord’s presence” and the people “shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground” (Leviticus 9:24). They bowed before God.
In today’s world, have you noticed how often people bow before God when calamities occur? In emotional and/or physical pain they acknowledge His presence. They fall before Him.
This isn’t a coincidence. No, as Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life” (John 6:68).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 24:13-43
More:
Read 2 Samuel 12:7- 20 and note David’s response to calamity.
Next:
Why is it that people often ponder God when calamities take place? How can you reveal God’s loving presence to people who have faced great loss and pain?
ericmanalastas on September 30, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Amen! We have nowhere and nowhere else to go but God alone!
tom felten on September 30, 2012 at 9:20 pm
eric, I’m reminded of the lyrics, “In Christ alone my hope is found!”
winn collier on October 1, 2012 at 9:32 am
This impulse runs so deep, one would almost think we were created to converse with our Maker.
tom felten on October 1, 2012 at 9:59 am
So true, Winn!
Terrence Simon on October 8, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Dear Tom,
Greetings in name of Jesus.
I’m under going lots of pain and sin now days.I’m almost travelling in wrong way which is completely against our lord. I’m starting my day and ending my day with prayer but doing sins which makes me to hate myself. when i get tempted always devil wins only after doing the sin, I started to feel bad.
I don’t know how overcome all my troubles and sins. I want to be with him but that will not happen, I guess.
God will never forgive me.
Many things, I can’t share over here since its an open forum hope you understand my sufferings.
With Tears,
Terrence
tom felten on October 8, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Terrence, none of us are without sin. We all struggle with it. Check out what Paul wrote in Romans 7:14-25. But, praise God, when we confess our sin, He purifies us (1 John 1:9). And we don’t have to give in to our sin, for the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our desires (Romans 8:1-27). Check out this post and another for helpful thoughts on confession and restoration before God.
Terrence Simon on October 9, 2012 at 4:48 am
Hi Tom,
Really your words created new hope and specially
Paul wrote in Romans 7:14-25 describes what I’m experiencing now and also the post spotless and other one so helpful for me.
Now I feel little relaxed that, I have shared my burdens with you.
Thank a lot for your support.
Hope that I will be back in track with your help.
tom felten on October 9, 2012 at 8:23 am
May the Holy Spirit help you walk in holiness today, Terrence. Praying for you!
Terrence Simon on October 10, 2012 at 2:44 am
Thanks Tom