Last Sunday at church we were relegated to sit in the very last row of seats along the isle. Usually it’s hard to enter into worship from the back row, as compared to sitting up close and personal, but on Sunday the presence of God was so strong that I was swept up instantly. Tears rolled down my face as I was well aware that my self-conscious teenage son was tenderly, singing and lifting his hands in worship right next to my husband and me. The presence of God was so tangible that the only word I can think of to describe it is, irresistible.
At the same time, to my amazement the ushers were loudly carrying on a conversation right next to our seats. Many of those sequestered in the back rows were turning to look in disbelief that they were so unaware of what was going on around them. Finally I got up and asked if they would move their conversation outside. Unfortunately after a few short minutes the conversation began to ensue once again.
Later during the week as I still considered the whole scenario, I began to think of the Parable of the ten virgins. From the Parable it appears that all of the ten virgins had access to the same things, yet some of the girls were quick to respond and some were reticent. I guess there will always be things to distract us. Even Jesus was tempted in the wilderness with something as simple as food, yet without sin.
We all have a choice everyday to carry on as if the day were the same as the next and miss the very available presence of God all around us. Or we can be those that are intentionally attuned to the presence of God, quick to apprehend and keep our vessels full, like the wise virgins. Even the wise virgins had to apprehend the oil that kept their lanterns burning brightly. The foolish virgins didn’t even consider that it was a necessity to stay alight.
I want to always burn brightly for the Lord and be a sponge for the presence of God. I want to be an umbrella turned upside down every time heavens showers fall. I want to consume every drop of God that I can take in and not be carelessly distracted and totally miss Him. I want to be a worshiper that pours out every last drop, like Mary who lavishly poured her bottle of perfume and love upon Jesus in a crowd of onlookers that missed the occasion, rather than entered into it.
Truly, the presence of God is so irresistible that a surrendered heart is undone by the slightest encounter. It is the only power to transform, apprehend and undo a teenage boy or an elderly son. The presence of God has the power to reduce the stoutest man to his knees in awe and wonder.
