How do we respond? - by Bec Bonython
When God speaks, when He displays His glory – how do we respond?
I encourage you to read the first couple of chapters of Ezekiel. God demonstrates His power and glory in a vision to Ezekiel (let’s call him Zeek). Zeek’s immediate response was to fall facedown and listen to the voice of God. As Zeek is bowing face down to God, God calls Zeek and asks him to "stand up" so that he can speak. Why did God ask him to stand up?
I would like to suggest that how we spiritually position ourselves matters to God.
When we feel the presence of God there is a time for falling facedown and worshiping. That will be a natural tendency as the glory of God is so powerful and mighty. Yet God wants us to stand, to get ready and to listen. Think of:
• Ex 3 - Moses with the burning bush hid his face, but the place that he was standing was on holy ground.
• Dan 10 - Daniel saw a vision and laid down in awe, but he was told to stand up and to listen to the words the man was about to speak.
• 1 Kings 19 - Elijah had just witnessed the power of God and he was running. When he came to the mountain, God said to go out and stand on the mountain because He was going to speak to Him.
• Joshua 7 - Joshua is praying and afraid to take on Jericho. God tells Joshua to stand up, and go and consecrate yourself.
• Jeremiah 1 - God has just called Jeremiah and then he tells him to get ready, stand up and say to them whatever He commands.
Standing gets our attention! It demonstrates who the authority in the relationship is and it is a sign of respect. Standing means getting ready for action.
When God asked people to stand in the bible, it was often followed by an action.
• Stand and [you ] speak (1 Chron 23:30, Jer 1:17)
• Stand and go (Jer 17:19)
• Stand and I [God] will speak (Micah 5:4)
No matter what your story has been or where you are now – like Elijah running from something or like Joshua getting ready for battle or like Jeremiah starting out on his spiritual journey – we need to reflect on how our heart is positioned towards God…. right now. Know that God desires to speak with you.
I pray that you continue to open your heart toward God. That you stand (spiritually) in His presence with your hands, eyes and ears open, ready to hear His voice. I pray that what He speaks resonates within you and you trust Him and take action.