On Mt. Sinai, Moses told God, "Your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth." (Exodus 33:16)The presence of God is what still sets us apart from all the people of the earth. If God is not in our midst then we are, at best, a civic organization dedicated to the alleviation of the temporal worldly suffering of those with whom we share this journey. At worst, though, we are a cult, deluded and hubris-filled.
With God in our midst, however, we are an unstoppable army of altruistic warriors poised to take on evil and injustice in whatever form we encounter it. We assault the gates of hell with the supreme confidence that comes from knowing that our God is with us and none can stand against us.
And so I say, together with Moses, " . . . show me your glorious presence."
Reveal yourself to your church, Lord.
Your plans.
Your nature.
Your surpassing greatness and glory.
Reveal yourself so that we glow from the encounter and those who observe us will see the radiance of our countenance and say, "They have been with the Lord."