Face Down, Listening
The ideal relationship between God and man is one where God is the communicator and man is in a listening, obeying attitude, characterized by humility and reverence.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, using the example of Abram who fell on his face to listen to God's covenant. This posture symbolizes the ideal relationship where God communicates and man listens and obeys. Tozer highlights that without this listening attitude, individuals cannot experience a personal encounter with God. He calls for a return to a humble position before God, recognizing the overwhelming presence of the divine and the need for submission in prayer. The sermon encourages believers to seek more moments of humility and reverence in their busy lives.
Text
Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations." --Genesis 17:3-4
The Scriptures declare, "Abram fell on his face" as the Lord talked with him (Genesis 17:3). Abraham was reverent and submissive. Probably there is no better picture anywhere in the Bible of the right place for mankind and the right place for God. God was on His throne speaking, and Abraham was on his face listening!
Where God and man are in relationship, this must be the ideal. God must be the communicator, and man must be in the listening, obeying attitude. If men and women are not willing to assume this listening attitude, there will be no meeting with God in living, personal experience....
Yes, Abraham was lying face down in humility and reverence, overcome with awe in this encounter with God. He knew that he was surrounded by the world's greatest mystery. The presence of this One who fills all things was pressing in upon him, rising above him, defeating him, taking away his natural self-confidence. God was overwhelming him and yet inviting and calling him, pleading with him and promising him a great future as a friend of God! Men Who Met God, 21-22.
"In this fast-paced, busy life, Lord, we don't spend nearly enough time face down before You. Tozer talks of lying flat on his face in his study in prayer; draw me to this position of humility and reverence more often this year, I pray. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Ideal Relationship Between God and Man
- The Importance of Humility and Reverence
- The Consequences of Not Assuming a Listening Attitude
- No meeting with God in living, personal experience
- The importance of humility and reverence in relationship with God
Key Quotes
“God was on His throne speaking, and Abraham was on his face listening!” — A.W. Tozer
“In this fast-paced, busy life, Lord, we don't spend nearly enough time face down before You.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must prioritize humility and reverence in our relationship with God, seeking to draw closer to Him in prayer and obedience.
- A listening attitude is essential for meeting with God in living, personal experience and receiving His promises and communication.
- We must be willing to assume a listening attitude, putting aside our natural self-confidence and pride, and instead seeking to obey God's will.